AT least 151 scholarship slots are now open for school year 2012-13 for military dependents who want to avail themselves of free schooling in state universities nationwide, the Armed Forces’ Educational Benefit System Office announced.

“The AFPEBSO is now accepting new applicants for first semester, school year 2012-13 in the college level under the Department of National Defense-Commission on Higher Education-Philippine Association of State Universities and Colleges scholarship program,” the Armed Forces spokesman and Public Affairs Office chief, Col. Arnulfo Marcelo Burgos Jr., said.

The program covers courses in engineering, agriculture, fisheries, teacher education and social sciences. Law, physical science, dentistry and medicine courses are not included in the program.

In a letter directive, the Armed Forces chief of staff, Lt. Gen. Jessie Dellosa, said only legitimate and qualified dependents may apply for the slots. They can avail themselves of full scholarship that includes free tuition, free miscellaneous fees and monthly stipends.

“An electronic copy of the application form is available for download at the AFPEBSO web site [www.afpebso.org.ph] In order to qualify, military dependents who applied for the scholarship programs must pass the organization’s requirements. The military status of their parents are also vitally considered,” Burgos said.

Currently, the AFP has a total of 4,535 scholars.

AFPEBSO gives priority to the orphans of soldiers who were killed in action. At present, two of the dependents of the 19 soldiers killed in last year’s clash in Al-Barka, Basilan, are getting educational benefits from AFPEBSO.

“From 2006 to 2011, AFPEBSO was able to help 1,723 students finish their education in college with 42 graduating cum laude and seven as magna cum laude,” Burgos said.