A total of 656 applicants filed their requirements for postgraduate degrees under the Handog Edukasyon program of the Zambales provincial government at the Capitol Grounds on 20 February 2026.

The program provides financial assistance to support residents pursuing higher education and offset academic expenses.

Governor Hermogenes "Jun" Ebdane Jr. said the initiative aims to strengthen the province’s educational sector. Of the 656 applicants, 447 applied for master’s degrees while 209 sought doctorate programs.

“Ang programang ito ay handog ng Pamahalaang Panlalawigan ng Zambales bilang suporta sa mga masisipag at masigasig na mag-aaral na patuloy na nagsusumikap para sa pangarap,” he said.

Education data shows that Zambales has a high concentration of residents completing secondary education, with many advancing to vocational or college studies. Some households face challenges such as school dropouts, particularly among marginalized communities.

In municipalities including Subic, San Marcelino, and Castillejos, most residents surveyed have attended or completed high school, while a portion of the population in the first district has pursued vocational, technical, or college education.

Aeta communities face additional barriers to tertiary education due to limited access to electricity and technology, as well as the need to balance traditional culture with formal schooling. Poverty, health issues, and family responsibilities are key reasons for school dropouts.

To address these challenges, the provincial government also implements the Open High School Program (OHSP) to help reduce dropout rates.656 applicants have filed their requirements for postgraduate degrees at the Capitol Grounds in Iba, Zambales on February 20, 2026.

The said filing of requirements is for the Handog Edukasyon ng Pamahalaang Panlalawigan ng Zambales that provides educational assistance to Zambaleños to help with their academic expenses.

Governor Hermogenes "Jun" Ebdane Jr. said that this program aims to boost the educational sector of the province.

He added that of the 656 postgraduate applicants, 447 were applying for Masters Degree while the remaining 209 were applying for Doctorate Degree.

"Ang programang ito ay handog ng Pamahalaang Panlalawigan ng Zambales bilang suporta sa mga masisipag at masigasig na mag-aaral na patuloy na nagsusumikap para sa pangarap," he said.

Educational attainment in Zambales shows a high concentration of residents reaching secondary education, with many pursuing vocational or college studies. While many households have completed basic education, others face challenges with dropouts, especially among marginalized groups.

In several municipalities like Subic, San Marcelino, and Castillejos, studies indicate that a majority of surveyed residents have attended or completed high school.

A portion of the population in the first district completed vocational, technical, or college education.

Aetas in Zambales face challenges in completing tertiary education, often due to limited access to technology, electricity, and the need to balance traditional culture with modern education.

Poverty, poor health, and the need to help with the family economy are primary factors for school dropouts.

To combat dropout rates, the province utilizes the Open High School Program (OHSP).