- The Davao City Water District (DCWD) is accepting college scholarship applications from January 28 to May 29, 2026 for SY 2026–2027.
- There are 6 total slots – 5 reserved for Indigenous Peoples or Muslims from DCWD watershed areas, and 1 for a Non-IP Davao City resident.
- All scholars must be enrolled at the University of Southeastern Philippines (USEP) Mintal or Obrero Campus only.
The Davao City Water District is giving six Davao students a chance to finish college but with only six slots available and a specific school requirement, this scholarship is one where every detail matters.
The DCWD College Scholarship Program for SY 2026–2027 is now open. Applications are being accepted from January 28 to May 29, 2026 at the DCWD Community Relations Division Office. There are two scholarship programs: one for Indigenous Peoples and Muslims from DCWD watershed communities, and one for Non-IP residents of Davao City.
Here’s everything you need to know before you apply.
The eligible school: USEP only
Before anything else – this scholarship covers enrollment at one school only:
University of Southeastern Philippines (USEP) Mintal Campus and Obrero Campus only.
If you’re planning to attend any other university, this scholarship will not apply to you. And there’s an important first step: you need to secure a Notice of Admission to the Program (NOAP) from USEP first before you can even submit a DCWD scholarship application. More on that in the application process section below.
Two Scholarship programs, six total slots
| Program Names | Slots Available |
|---|---|
| DCWD Scholarship for Indigenous Peoples (IP) | 5 slots |
| DCWD Scholarship for Non-IP | 1 slot |
DCWD Scholarship for Indigenous Peoples – 5 slots
Who can apply?
- Senior High School graduate with an average grade of at least 80%
- If currently in college, must have an average grade of at least 80% from the previous semester
- A member of an Indigenous Cultural Community or a Muslim residing in the watershed areas of Toril, Tugbok, Baguio, Calinan, or Marilog districts.
The watershed area residency requirement is critical here. Even if you’re an IP or Muslim community member, you must be from one of those five DCWD watershed districts to qualify for this program.
What documents do you need?
- Notice of Admission to the Program (NOAP) from USEP
- Senior High School Report Card – or Report of Grades from the previous semester (for continuing college students)
- Tribal Certification
- Barangay Clearance
- Barangay Endorsement
- Certificate of Confirmation (COC) from the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP) or National Commission on Muslim Filipinos (NCMF) – certifying your membership in an IP or tribal group and confirming that your tribal chieftain is registered with NCIP or NCMF
- Certified true copy of annual household Income Tax Return (ITR) household income must not exceed ₱120,000 annually; if your family is not required to file an ITR, submit a BIR certification with a notarized Affidavit of Low or No Income
- PSA Birth Certificate (photocopy)
- One recent 2×2 photo – preferably in IP attire
The COC from NCIP or NCMF is the document that takes the longest to process. Secure this as early as possible don’t wait until the week before the deadline.
Read Also: Security Bank External Scholarship 2026
DCWD Scholarship for Non-IP – 1 slot
Who can apply?
- Senior High School graduate of the recently preceding school year upon application
- Average grade of at least 80%
- Must be in the top 20% of the graduating class
- Must be a resident of Davao City
Note that this program is for recent SHS graduates only – not for continuing college students. If you graduated from Senior High School more than one school year ago, check with DCWD if you still qualify.
What documents do you need?
- Notice of Admission to the Program (NOAP) from USEP
- Senior High School Report Card
- Certification that you belong to the top 20% of your graduating class must be signed by your school head
- Certified true copy of annual household ITR household income must not exceed ₱120,000 annually; if not required to file, submit a BIR certification with a notarized Affidavit of Low or No Income
- PSA Birth Certificate (photocopy)
- One recent 2×2 photo
- Barangay Clearance
- Barangay Endorsement
The top 20% certification needs to come from your school head not just your report card. Request this from your school as early as you can, especially if your school processes certifications slowly.
What are the Scholarship Benefits?
Both programs receive the same benefits:
- Transportation allowance
- Meals allowance
- Boarding house allowance
- Uniform and textbook allowance
- Incentive for scholars who make the Dean’s List
- Thesis allowance (in your graduating year)
- Cash incentive upon graduation
The Dean’s Lister incentive is worth paying attention to it means that maintaining high academic performance doesn’t just keep you in the program, it also rewards you financially.
Read Also: Ayala foundation scholarship application for 2026-2027
How to apply for the DCWD Scholarship 2026
The DCWD application process has a specific order that students often miss:
Step 1: Apply to USEP first
Before you can apply for the DCWD scholarship, you need to go through USEP’s own admission process and secure your Notice of Admission to the Program (NOAP). This is a non-negotiable first step DCWD will not process your scholarship application without it.
Step 2: Prepare all your documents
Gather everything on the requirements list for your applicable program. Start with the longest-to-process documents first the NCIP/NCMF Certificate of Confirmation for IP applicants, or the top 20% certification from your school head for Non-IP applicants.
Step 3: Go to the DCWD Community Relations Division Office
Once you have your NOAP and all your documents ready, visit:
- DCWD Community Relations Division Office
- 6th Floor, DCWD Matina Office
- Davao City
Fill out the scholarship application form in person. The office does not appear to accept online applications show up with complete documents.
Step 4: Submit before May 29, 2026
The application period runs until May 29, 2026. Given that only 6 slots are available in total, submitting early is strongly advisable.
Application Period
| Application | Dates |
|---|---|
| Application opens | January 28, 2026 |
| Application deadline | May 29, 2026 |
For inquiries
Visit the DCWD Community Relations Division Office at the 6th floor, DCWD Matina Office, or call: (082) 235-3293 local 1621
Source: Davao City Water District (DCWD)
