Application for OPAPP Kalinga study grant on

By Larry Lopez

TABUK CITY, Kalinga -- Applications to the study grant offered by the Office of Presidential Adviser on Peace Process (OPAPP) in partnership with the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) for school year 2012-2013 is now open.

Program coordinator EusebiaHaddac of the Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office urged interested applicants to file their applications now as slots are distributed on a first-come, first-serve basis.

She said application is until the second week of May.

The study grant is a component of the Social Reintegration Program of the Aquino administration intended for former rebels and their legitimate dependents to expand their access to college education opportunities.

Grantees of the program are provided educational assistance of P5,000 per semester for any four-year degree in college.

They are encouraged to enroll in state colleges or universities where tuition rates are lower since the stipend provided is allotted for tuition and book allowances.

Those who are not accommodated to the OPAPP grant due to lacking requirements could apply with the same program offered by the provincial government but only with lower stipend of P2,000 per semester, Haddac said.

In Kalinga, there are 46 grantees covered under the program, who are presently enrolled in various schools here and outside the province.

Haddac reminded beneficiaries of the grant to take seriously their studies saying the assistance is a rare opportunity offered only to few individuals to be able to finish their college education to improve their lives and of their families and be an integral part of the community.