The Quezon City Government has officially established the Manuel L. Quezon Filipino Language and Literature Scholarship Program following the enactment of Ordinance No. SP-3458, S-2025, further strengthening the city’s commitment to accessible education, cultural development, and the promotion of the national language.

The ordinance amends the Expanded Scholarship Code of Quezon City to include a dedicated scholarship track supporting students, educators, and researchers pursuing Filipino language, literature, linguistics, translation, and related disciplines. The program covers Scholarship for Tertiary Students, Scholarship for Postgraduate Students, and Creative Writing and Literary Grants.

The scholarship program aims to promote academic excellence in Filipino studies, encourage creative and literary production, support scholarly research, strengthen national identity, and expand opportunities for marginalized and underrepresented communities.

Under the Scholarship for Tertiary Students, qualified applicants enrolled in Filipino Language, Filipino Literature, Journalism, Philippine Studies, or Education programs with a Filipino major may receive up to P160,000 per academic year at private institutions, or a P50,000 annual stipend at public institutions.

The Scholarship for Postgraduate Students supports scholars pursuing Filipino Language, Philippine Studies, Philippine Literature, Comparative Literature, or Linguistics with a Filipino focus. Qualified applicants may receive up to P105,000 per school year, subject to submission of a research proposal aligned with the promotion of the Filipino language and literature.

The ordinance also establishes a Creative Writing and Literary Grant to support young writers and established authors producing original works in Filipino, including poetry, fiction, essays, and drama. Grant recipients may receive P10,000 in stipend support and up to P30,000 in publication assistance, for a total grant of P40,000.

Mayor Joy Belmonte welcomed the passage of the ordinance and emphasized the importance of investing in Filipino language and culture.

“Quezon City is the home of the nation’s capital heritage and the legacy of President Manuel L. Quezon, the Father of Filipino Language (Ama ng Wikang Pambansa). By institutionalizing this scholarship program, we are investing not only in our students, but also in our identity as a people,” Belmonte said.

“This initiative ensures that Filipino language and literature continue to thrive in our schools, our communities, and future generations,” she added.

Presiding officer of the Sangguniang Panlungsod, Vice Mayor Gian Sotto, and Ordinance Author, Majority Floor Leader Councilor Aly Medalla, underscored the City Council’s role in expanding access to education and cultural programs.

“The measure reflects the City Council’s commitment to inclusive education and cultural empowerment. By integrating this scholarship into our Expanded Scholarship Code, we are opening more doors for young Filipinos, educators, and writers to develop their talents and contribute meaningfully to nation-building through language and literature,” Vice Mayor Sotto said.

The Manuel L. Quezon Filipino Language and Literature Scholarship Program reinforces the city's commitment to nurturing Filipino creativity and cultural pride, ensuring that the legacy of Manuel L. Quezon continues to inspire a new generation of writers, educators, and leaders.