23/08/2026
PEOPLE, PLACES, AND EVENTS (PPE) FEATURE: 6,000 dreamers join SWU PHINMA’s HK Scholarship Launch for SY 2027–2028
CEBU CITY, PHILIPPINES — More than 6,000 Grade 12 students from across the country took their first step toward securing a college scholarship as Southwestern University PHINMA officially launched the first batch of its Hawak Kamay (HK) Scholarship Examination for School Year 2027–2028 on Saturday, August 15, at the University Coliseum.
Students traveled from different parts of Cebu and neighboring provinces, including Bohol, Bantayan, Leyte, Negros, Masbate, Zamboanga and Surigao. Many were accompanied by their parents and guardians, making the scholarship examination a meaningful experience not only for the students but also for the families supporting their dreams of pursuing higher education.
Open to all currently enrolled Grade 12 students, the Hawak Kamay Scholarship Examination is free of charge. It gives graduating senior high school students the opportunity to take their first step toward securing financial support for their college education.
Through the Hawak Kamay Scholarship, qualified scholars will receive an all in discounted semestral fee package, with no maintaining grade requirement and a scholarship guaranteed until graduation. This gives students and their families greater financial support
and peace of mind as they pursue their college education.
“Every student is capable of success. All they need is the right opportunity, the right support system, and someone who believes in them,” said Kim Mark Biason, Associate Chief Operating Officer of SWU PHINMA, during his welcome remarks for the scholarship
examination.
Biason emphasized that SWU PHINMA’s commitment to students begins even before they officially become part of the University.
“Here at SWU PHINMA, our commitment to you begins even before you become our student,” he said, highlighting the university’s coaches who help students discover the course that best matches their strengths, prepare for college, and make informed decisions about their future.
He also assured aspiring scholars and their families that the University’s support continues throughout their journey as Cobras through coaches, mentors, faculty members, and student support teams.
“Our goal is not only to help you graduate but to help you become the very best version of yourself, academically, professionally, and personally,” Biason said.
Making Quality Education More Accessible
The Hawak Kamay Scholarship is part of SWU PHINMA’s continuing commitment to make quality education more accessible to Filipino students, regardless of where they come from.
Unlike many universities, SWU PHINMA does not require an entrance examination for enrollment. The University believes that access to quality education should not be limited by a student’s background or place of origin.
Beyond scholarship opportunities, SWU PHINMA also extends support to full-paying students who may face financial challenges along the way. Through its student support initiatives, the University seeks to make college more possible for students and help them stay in their chosen course, complete their program, and ultimately finish their degree.
By opening opportunities through scholarships and removing barriers to enrollment, SWU PHINMA aims to reach more deserving Filipino students and give them the opportunity to pursue their chosen careers and build better futures.
The University continues to believe that students deserve access to the right opportunities,support systems, and learning environment to help them succeed.
From Aspiring Scholars to Future Cobras
For the students who traveled to Cebu for the Hawak Kamay Scholarship Examination, the experience did not end when they submitted their answer sheets.
After the examination, the aspiring scholars and their families were invited to stay and experience SWU PHINMA’s Mundo Granate, the biggest school year opening celebration in the Visayas and Mindanao, held at the University Ballpark.
The event gave the students a firsthand glimpse of what it is like to be part of the Cobra Community. They experienced the energy of the crowd, the performances, the school spirit, and the vibrant culture that make up life at SWU PHINMA.
For many of the students, the experience offered more than a preview of college life. It gave them an opportunity to see themselves as part of a community they could soon call home.
As thousands of aspiring scholars gathered at SWU PHINMA, the Hawak Kamay Scholarship launch became a celebration of dreams, opportunity, and the courage to take the first step toward a better future.
With more batches of the Hawak Kamay Scholarship Examination to come, SWU PHINMA continues to open its doors to more Filipino students from across the country who are ready to ‘Stop At Nothing’ in pursuing their dreams.
Students from other parts of the Philippines can look forward to upcoming examination schedules and locations, which will be announced soon through Southwestern University PHINMA’s official social media pages, .
For inquiries or to learn more about the support and opportunities available to students, please contact [email protected] or call 0917 810 2300.
