397 SMFI college scholars graduate

 SM Updates

By Josie Lyn L. Galario

BAGUIO CITY -- SM Foundation (SMFI) celebrated the graduation of its 397 scholars from the class of 2023, including eight summa cum laude, 72 cum laude, 55 magna cum laude, and 26 academic distinction awardees.
    Held at the SMX Convention Center in Pasay City, the presentation of graduates served as a mark of the significant milestone in the scholars' academic journeys and a testament to their resilience and determination to uplift their families and illuminate a path for future generations.
    The event was joined by scholars' families, partners, and  SM Foundation's heads, including the foundation's executive director for education programs Carmen Linda Atayde.
    In her address, Atayde emphasized the transformative power of education: "Behind these impressive statistics lie stories of triumph over challenges, stories of dreams pursued against all odds. These scholars, hailing from humble backgrounds, have shown that with opportunity and hard work, one can break the intergenerational cycle of poverty."
    Atayde also recognized the support of mentors, educators, and the Sy family, noting how their efforts have paved the way for success, not only for today's graduates but also for the communities they represent.
    Echoing the vision of the SM group's founder, Tatang Henry Sy Sr., SMFI Executive Director Debbie Sy also emphasized the importance of education as a tool for social mobility and poverty alleviation.
    "As we stand here today, let us remember the vision of Tatang, who believed deeply in the power of education to break the shackles of poverty," she said.
    Addressing the scholars, Sy reminded the SM scholars of their role as catalysts for change in their communities: "You are the living proof of the transformative power of education. The SM Foundation Scholarship Program's goal is not just academic success but to break the intergenerational cycle of poverty.”
    “Now, armed with knowledge, be agents of social good in your communities. Your journey doesn't end here; it's a new beginning, and we can't wait to witness the positive impact you'll create," she capped.
    In Baguio City, a total of 11 scholars were acknowledged, hailing from Saint Louis University and the University of the Cordilleras.     Noteworthy among them are Hazel C. Castillo, who graduated Suma Cum Laude with a Bachelor of Science in Accountancy, and Cherilyn N. Acop, who earned Magna Cum Laude honors in Bachelor of Science in Engineering, both from SLU. Additionally, Dustine May G. Garcia, a graduate from the University of the Cordilleras, achieved Cum Laude status with a degree in Bachelor of Elementary Education.
    The SM Foundation’s Scholarship Program, established in 1993, has provided financial and holistic support to over 8,000 college and technical-vocational scholars, empowering them to pursue their academic aspirations and contribute to the betterment of their families.
    This cements the SM group’s commitment to social good in the last 40 years, ensuring that deserving students, especially from low-income communities, have access to quality education and the opportunity to break the cycle of poverty.
 

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Bontoc scholar regional BNS finalist; awarded

By Alpine L. Killa- Malwagay

BONTOC, Mountain Province - A Barangay Nutrition Scholar here from Barangay Samoki, making a significant impact on health and well-being of her community is a regional outstanding BNS finalist.

    As an awardee, she received cash incentives and plaque of recognition during regional nutrition awarding ceremony held in Baguio City. 
    Eufemia Miranda received P8,000 cash incentive from the National Nutrition Council – Cordillera Administrative Region and additional P3,000 from the Dept. of Health Cordillera. 
    She received her award with Sangguniang Bayan member Julian Chumacog and midwife Pascuala Fantiyao who is also barangay nutrition action officer of Samoki. 
Miranda, a dedicated BNS served the barangay for 17 years and implemented health, nutrition programs and activities for constituents. 
    Write-up by NNC-CAR said Miranda had vision of achieving zero malnutrition in the community and implemented various strategies to address the issue.
    One of her notable initiatives, along with fellow BNS was conducting house-to-house visits, where she actively communicated with parents of children under five.
    During these visits, she cited importance of participating in regular weighing and height measurements to ensure the health and development of their children.
    She accompanied children to the clinic to ensure 100% participation.
    Recognizing the significance of proper nutrition, she collaborated with the Sangguniang Kabataan of Samoki to secure funding for a 120-day feeding program for underweight children from kinder to Grade III.
    This program not only focused on providing nutritious meals but aimed to improve nutritional status and boost energy levels of children in school. 
    In her efforts to combat malnutrition, Miranda promoted backyard gardening.
She actively coordinated with the Dept. of Environment and Natural Resources and the Dept. of Agriculture to provide seedlings to families with malnourished children, encouraging them to grow their nutritious fruits and vegetables. 
This Barangay Nutrition Scholar went beyond her official duties by taking the time to talk to mothers and discuss the importance of the first 100 days, a crucial period of a child’s development.
    She said education and support to parents during this critical phase can have a long-lasting positive impact.
 Miranda actively participated in community gatherings and volunteered to lead discussions on important health and nutrition topics, sharing her knowledge and inspiring others to prioritize the well-being of their families.
    Her dedication, passion and commitment, to achieving zero malnutrition is a testament to her genuine concern for the welfare of her community.
    Her exemplary work served as inspiration to others, showing the power of one’s efforts in creating a healthier and more nourished society. 
    For this community health worker, she credited this recognition to her family and the barangay nutrition committee for their support.

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NCIP scholarships: improving IPs’ lives

Liza Agoot

BAGUIO CITY – Khyru Egyab, 25, of Sagada, Mountain Province is a first-year Bachelor of Science in Criminology student who is all hopes for his future in law enforcement.

    He is a new member of the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP)-Cordillera’s dance troop. Being part of this group is what he considers as a factor that will help him land a scholarship grant from the government just like the thousands who were able to go to school, finish a degree, and are now reaping the benefits of the program.
    Wearing the traditional “Ba-ag” (g-string) on the sidelines of the culminating activity of the Indigenous Peoples month celebration in this city on Thursday, Khyru said he commits to helping teach the Cordillera culture to the youth through dance.
    “I also want to be a scholar so that I will have money for tuition fees,” he said in Ilocano, the local dialect.
Khyru said he learned their native dance when he was 15 years old, after seeing the elders in his community in Barangay     Tetep-an when they do rituals, play the gong, and move in circular motion at the “Dap-ay” or the “Ator”.
    The Dap-ay is a place in the community that was made using rocks placed together to form a circle where elders conduct meetings to discuss community issues. 
    “I love watching them with the thought that the culture continues to live. I studied it and will pass it the way it was passed on to me by the elders who continue to practice our culture,” Khyru said.
Lawyer Atanacio Addog, regional director of the NCIP-CAR, on the sidelines of the event said the government, through the     NCIP, allots 825 scholarships for the youth in CAR. 
    “Cordillera alone has an allocation of 825 under the Education Assistance Program (EAP) of the Commission which is spread in different provinces. A lot have graduated since the institutionalization of the scholarship in 2001,” he said.
    Grantees receive a PHP10,000 cash allowance per semester, on top of the cash assistance for those whose courses have board examinations or when the student needs to undergo review program before taking the government-led examination. 
    “Education is very important to us but is expensive that is why our students exert effort so that they can be educated.     Although we give a minimal amount for the scholarship, it goes a long way for the expenses like purchase of books and school allowance,” Addog, also an IP being a member of the Aplai Tribe of Besao, Mountain Province, said.
    He explained that the 825 scholarship is maintained since new scholars will have sure slot once someone graduates. CAR’s annual allocation is PHP4 million.
    “Culture is passed on by practice, word of mouth, and not written. That is why the youth must learn the culture so that it will continue after the old people are gone,” he said.
    He said that as scholarship grantees, the students must go back to the community, participate, and be involved especially during occasions where there are activities that involve cultural preservation.
    He said youth grantees are also being tapped by NCIP as links to their communities, on top of the identified Indigenous Peoples Mandatory Representative (IPMR).
    Addog said the Commission on Higher Education has added the Cordillera Heritage 101, a three-unit subject in state universities in the region that teaches about Cordillera’s history.
    He said the Indigenous Knowledge System and Practices (IKSP) is not just in the community anymore but in the formal educational system. 
    For the elementary level, he said the Indigenous Peoples Education (IPEd) has been incorporated in the curriculum and NCIP is working with the education department to further boost the programs.
    “Continue to be proud as Cordillerans, to be proud to represent your ethnographic or ethnic group. Let us not be ashamed. Let us be a medium of education to correct the misconceptions, the wrong information about us, the IPs,” the director added. (PNA)
 

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74 scholars in Bontoc get funds

FUND ASSISTANCE -- A total of 74 scholars receive ₱5,000 each as scholarship grant in the capital town of Bontoc in Mountain Province. With students is Mayor Jerome “Chagsen” Tudlong, Jr.  --  Jovi Lopez

By Christy Mae Che-es

BONTOC, Mountain Province – A total of 74 scholars under the Municipal Students Financial Assistance Program (MSFAP) received ₱5,000 each as financial assistance for the second semester on Nov. 29 here at the Municipal Capitol.

    In his message, Mayor Jerome “Chagsen” Tudlong, Jr., urged the students to study hard as completing their education will be their stepping stone in achieving their dreams in life.
    He assured the continued support and assistance of the Bontoc local government to the youth and education sector. 
    The MSFAP which was institutionalized in 2013 aims to promote and support the youth’s development through education.
    The MSFAP scholars are required to maintain a general weighted average not below 80% and should not drop of fail any subject enrolled in. 
 

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74 scholars in Bontoc get funds

By Christy Mae Che-es

BONTOC, Mountain Province – A total of 74 scholars under the Municipal Students Financial Assistance Program (MSFAP) received ₱5,000 each as financial assistance for the second semester on Nov. 29 here at the Municipal Capitol.
    In his message, Mayor Jerome “Chagsen” Tudlong, Jr., urged the students to study hard as completing their education will be their stepping stone in achieving their dreams in life.
    He assured the continued support and assistance of the Bontoc local government to the youth and education sector. 
    The MSFAP which was institutionalized in 2013 aims to promote and support the youth’s development through education.
    The MSFAP scholars are required to maintain a general weighted average not below 80% and should not drop of fail any subject enrolled in. 

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Scholarship for Vizcaya medical studes pushed

By Leander C. Domingo

BAYOMBONG, Nueva Vizcaya --To help poor but deserving students to take up expensive medical courses, a member of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan here has proposed a localized version of the Republic Act 11509, also known as "Doktor Para sa Bayan Act."
    Board Member Elma Pinao-an Lejao said this will address the demand for medical doctors in the province by extending financial help to deserving students in the pursuit of their education and training in health and medicine.
    She said the proposed ordinance establishing the "Medical Scholarship and Return Service Program for Deserving Students" shall also be known as the "Nueva Vizcaya Doktor Para sa Mamamayan Ordinance."
    Lejao noted that during the past six years of being a member of SP and during the deliberation of the local expenditure program, "it has been a perennial manifestation that there are no takers or no one was applying for some physician position in the local government-managed hospitals."
    "Thus, we need to provide scholarships to medical students who will eventually render services in the hospitals managed by the provincial local government unit of Nueva Vizcaya," Lejao said.
    "Hence, the proposed ordinance will help address this problem of our provincial government-managed hospitals. With this ordinance, we can produce medical doctors so that they can fill the vacant medical positions in our hospitals."
    Lejao also noted that the proposed Nueva Vizcaya Doktor Para sa Mamamayan Ordinance will ensure the funding for the establishment of the Medical Scholarship and Return Service Program for Deserving Students.
    Lejao said the ordinance was already passed on first reading during the 18th regular session of the Provincial Board.
 

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147 Cordillera students get DOST scholarships

By Rine Lee S. Carantes

BAGUIO CITY -- The Dept. of Science and Technology- Cordillera Administrative Region (DOST-CAR) has a new set of scholars under the DOST-Science Education Institute’s (SEI) 2022 undergraduate scholarship program.
Science, technology and innovation (STI) are one of the most overlooked and neglected fields in the industry. 
    According to the Philippine Development Plan (2017-2022), the challenges to STI includes weak STI culture, low government spending on STI, inadequate S&T human resources engaged in STI research and development, difficulty in increasing employment opportunities and retaining S&T human capital, difficulty in increasing employment opportunities and retaining S&T human capital, absence of a vibrant intellectual property culture, weak linkages among players in the STI ecosystem, restrictive regulations that hamper implementation of R&D programs and inadequate STI infrastructure.
    With the scholarship program provided by the DOST-SEI, the youth will be engaged in different science-related activities and more young innovators around the country will be given a great opportunity to show their talents and competencies in STI, officials of the government agency said.
    The reportedly helps fill the gap between people and science, presents its relevance, and strengthens STI in the country, like crucial applications in communities.
    With the Covid-19 pandemic, the DOST-SEI was not able to conduct national qualifying examination for two consecutive years. 
    For the academic year 2022-2023, a total of 10,487 students all over the country will be new science scholars.
There are 5, 567 qualifiers under the RA 7687 Scholarship Program while 4,920 qualified under the Merit Scholarship Program.
    In Cordillera, out of 1, 209 applicants, a total of 147 scholars from different provinces qualified.
    There were 77 qualifiers for the Republic Act 7687 program—a scholarship for talented and deserving students with a high aptitude for science coming from socio-economically disadvantaged families, and 70 qualifiers under the Merit Scholarship Program—students with high aptitude in science and mathematics who are willing to pursue a career related to science and technology.   
    Last June 30, the DOST-CAR held virtual orientation and signing of scholarship agreement with 2022 S&T undergraduate scholarship qualifiers from Abra, Apayao, Ifugao, Kalinga and Mountain Province.
    Baguio-Benguet qualifiers were oriented face-to-face on July 4.
    Resource speakers from Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas discussed financial management given that they will be receiving monetary privileges and other incentives.
    The lectures first focused on significance of savings and basics of investing.
    Students were cautioned on kinds of frauds and scams.
    Freda Macaling, a newly qualified scholar who chose a course as Bachelor of Science in Statistics, said, the program would keep her focused and grounded.
    Dr. Pepita S. Picpican, assistant regional director (ARD) of the Technical Services Division, congratulated qualifiers and reminded them of their scholarship obligations as they were expected to render service after graduation.
    DOST-SEI is now accepting applications for the 2022 Junior Level Science Scholarship (JLSS) through the E-scholarship Application System.
    For more information and details, t visit the official DOST-SEI Facebook page and website.
    The application ends on July 31 while the qualifying exam will be on August 27-28, 2022.
    The DOST-CAR urged students who are willing to take STEM-related courses to be one of their scholars.

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7.5K TESDA scholarship slots for 2022 still available

By Liza Agoot 

LA TRINIDAD, Benguet – The Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) in Cordillera on Wednesday urged the public to avail of the agency's scholarship programs, as 7,497 slots out of 10,263 are still available.
    "We ask our residents to take advantage of the scholarships. Napakarami nating slots for a scholarship, mag avail sila kasi sayang ang opportunity (they take the opportunity and avail of the many slots for scholarship)," said Jimmicio Daoaten, assistant regional director of TESDA-Cordillera and the Benguet provincial director of the government's technical-vocational skills provider, on the sidelines of the inauguration and oath-taking of Benguet officials.
    The TESDA-CAR has a 2022 scholarship budget of P164,544,125, only 27 percent of which have been utilized.
Daoaten said TESDA offers scholarships for different short-term trade skills and a diploma program pathway to a Baccalaureate degree.
    Scholars can avail the training for work program (TWSP), special training employment program (STEP), private education student fund assistance (PESFA), rice extension services program (RESP), "Tsuper Iskolar," Tulong trabaho scholarship program (TTSP)
    The official added that aside from free education that covers the laboratory supplies, a scholar also gets insurance coverage for at least one year, a daily stipend of P160, an internet allowance, book allowance, and a tool kit that can be used to start up a livelihood activity.
    Due to the pandemic, an allowance for personal protective equipment is also provided to a scholar.
    He added that the grantee also gets a free competency assessment fee for the national certification that is recognized internationally. -- PNA

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21 Cordillera studes qualifiers in DOST scholarship program

By Christian Robert M. Sandoval

BAGUIO CITY -- Twenty-one Cordillera students are among qualifiers of the Dept. of Science and Technology’s Science Education Institute’s (SEI) 2021 Junior Level Science Scholarship (JLSS) Program.
    Out of the total: 1, Abra; 8, Baguio City; 6, Benguet; 1, Ifugao; 4, Kalinga and 1 from Mountain Province.
    The following were the qualifiers under each program:
RA 7687 program:
    Jasper Amiel P. Alangdeo, Beatrice Nicole L. Choy, Hanarie G. Dugyangan, Eun Joo V. Kim, Venisce Arvie P. Lardizabal, and Marjory J. Nimer
    Merit program:
    Christopher F. Purugganan, Bryan Paul C. Balancia, Dam-ay Ethelle B. Capegsan, Sean Ernest S. Empizo, Gian Cydney M. Genove, Andrea Nicole O. Lachica, Darren Grey C. Napeek, Praise W. Napiloy, Marion Jenny D. Puday, and Dajen S. Torralba
    RA 10612 program:
    Lovelyn A. Agumiyeng, Aiyana Joy D. Anievas, Allean B. Dogao, Anirose L. Morados, and Lorry Ann B. Salido
    The JLSS program is one of the DOST undergraduate scholarship programs for 3rd year college students, currently enrolled in priority siche and technology courses in accredited universities.
    This program covers three types of scholarship namely RA 7687, Merit and RA 10612.
    The first provides scholarships to talented and deserving students whose families’ socio-economic status does not exceed the set cut-off values of certain indicators.
    Qualifiers must pursue priority fields of study in basic sciences, engineering, applied sciences and science and mathematics teaching. 
    Meanwhile, the Merit scholarship program is awarded to students with high aptitude in science and mathematics and are willing to pursue careers in the field of science and technology. The RA 10612 aims to strengthen the country’s science and technology education by fast-tracking graduates in science, mathematics and engineering who shall teach science and mathematics in secondary schools throughout the country.  
    The schedule of orientation will be informed to the qualifiers the soonest possible time.
    Meanwhile, qualifiers to the program will enjoy scholarship benefits, such as tuition and other school fees, book allowance, and monthly living allowance for two to three years. Specifically, benefits include P40,000 tuition per academic year; P10,000 book allowance per academic year, P7,000 monthly stipend and P10,000 thesis allowance.
    Scholars must maintain good academic standing to enjoy the said benefits.
    The application for the 2022 Junior Level Scholarship will be announced soon.
    Eligible applicants are incoming regular 3rd year college students of SY 2022-2023 and enrolled in S&T priority courses in identified institutions with at least 83% GWA. 
    For details, visit http://www.sei.dost.gov.ph/, email us at dostcarscholarshipunit@gmail.com  or you may call us at (074) 422-0979 or 09079132231.
 
 
 
 

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Mt Province cops give cash to student scholars

BONTOC, Mountain Province – Elements of Mountain Province Provincial Mobile Force Company recently visited their scholars to check their welfare and gave financial assistance recently. 
    This was part of education enhancement program (EEP), an initiative of provincial PMFC to provide educational assistance to selected high school students who are facing financial difficulties, said a regional police information office dispatch. 
    The program also aims to put children in school and to prevent them from being recruited by communist groups.
    The scholars are selected upon recommendation of barangay officials where they are residing and faculty members where they are currently enrolled. 
    Funds for the project are voluntary contribution of police officers and community folks.
    Aside from the monthly financial assistance, selected scholars also receive school supplies like notebooks, pencils, ball pens and intermediate pads depending on available funds. 
    For this academic year, there arenine beneficiaries from the towns of Bauko, Tadian, Sagada, Besao, and Bontoc. 
    The program is now in its 8th year and has helped 23 students since it started in 2014.

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SNAP sponsors 12 new Benguet, Ifugao, Isabela higher education scholars

Renewable energy company SN Aboitiz Power (SNAP) welcomed twelve college students who qualified for the 2021 Bridging Gaps in Higher Education through Tertiary Scholarships (BRIGHTS) program in a virtual event held on August 11 and August 31 for SNAP-Magat and SNAP-Benguet, respectively.
    The twelve incoming freshmen from Benguet, Ifugao, and Isabela are deserving students from low-income families who were chosen through a competitive selection process. This year, a total of 63 applicants were screened.
     The BRIGHTS program, according to SNAP president and CEO Joseph Yu, is a game changer. "This scholarship will have a significant impact on these scholars' lives as well as the community as a whole. During this difficult time, more families need educational assistance, so we continue to work with parents and educators to assist deserving students in achieving their goals while also developing well-rounded individuals who will contribute to driving positive change in their communities in the future."
    Ferlyne Grace Buscas expressed her gratitude to the company during SNAP-Magat's online orientation. "This scholarship program will significantly help me achieve my goals for myself, my family, and the people I hope to help and inspire one day. Your faith in our abilities will be one of the driving forces behind our efforts to become the people we aspire to be in the future."
     Meanwhile, Marjorie Dela Cruz, mother of Ernest Mahershalal Dela Cruz, a SNAP-Benguet 2021 BRIGHTS scholar, thanked SNAP for the opportunity to assist her son. "Receiving a SNAP scholarship grant is a huge blessing. We will do our best to guide our son and support him to achieve his dreams."
     Due to Covid-19 restrictions, SNAP held virtual orientations for new scholars and their parents and guardians.
    BRIGHTS is a scholarship initiative under SNAP's corporate social responsibility program that targets deserving students from the company's immediate host communities who have limited financial resources. Each scholar will receive funding to cover tuition and school fees through BRIGHTS, and remaining funds can be used to cover the scholars' living and educational costs, such as room and board, books, uniforms, and other school-related expenses.
     The program has produced nine graduates since its launch in 2017. This year's batch brings the number of active scholars to 59 with current university partners such as Benguet State University at La Trinidad and Bokod, Benguet, Cordillera Career Development College at La Trinidad, Benguet, University of Baguio, Saint Louis University, and the University of the Cordilleras in Baguio City; Ifugao State University in Alfonso Lista; Isabela State University in Echague town; Philippine Normal University in Alicia, Cagayan Valley Computer and Information Technology College, Inc. and Northeastern College in Santiago City; and Nueva Vizcaya State University, and PLT College Inc. in Bayombong.

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3 Cordi gov’t universities ink MOA with CHED on instructors’ scholarships

LA TRINIDAD, Benguet -- The Commission on Higher Education – Cordillera Administrative Region (CHED-CAR) under Demetrio P. Anduyan Jr., Ph.D., CESE IV, Director IV and three Public Higher Education Institutions signed memorandum of agreement on “Delivering Higher Education Institutions (DHEIs) for the Scholarship for Instructors’ Knowledge Advancement Program (SIKAP) Grant” here July 30  at the CHED-CAR regional office.
    The three HEI’s were Benguet State University, Kalinga State University and Mountain Province State Polytechnic College.
Benguet State University was represented by Dr. Feilipe Comila, president; lawyer Andres Arnold Lampacan, executive assistant and Dr. Emilda Degay, acting vice president of academic affairs.
    Kalinga State University was represented by Dr. Eduardo Bagtang, president and Rodelo Waggawag, administrative aide.
Mountain Province State Polytechnic College was represented by Dr. Rexton Chakas, president and Shane Mangacheo, special Assistant
    The grant provides opportunities for HEI teaching personnel, or former HEI teaching personnel who wish to go back to the academic field to acquire advance degree, HEI teaching personnel may apply as SIKAP grant scholar, provided they qualify eligibility criteria and qualifying and selection process.
    The eligibility requirements: must be a Filipino citizen, employed as teaching personnel in an HEI, or have been employed as teaching personnel with the last 12 months at the time of application, does not hold full time employment in any government agency or private company which are not HEIs.
    Full time scholars must commit to pursue the program on full time study.
    The financial privileges are: Masters scholars actual tuition and other fees, while the living allowance for masters is P25,000 per month and P1000,000 for doctorate.
    A total of P12,000 worth of book allowance and transportation assistance is also allotted for scholars studying outside their province.
    Additional privilege is thesis allowance worth P50,000 and dissertation allowance of P100,000
    SIKAP Grant is under CHED K to 12 Transition Program Management Unit (TPMU).
    The permanent alternate focal person of CHED CAR K to 12 PMU is Dr. Mariano D. Marchan Jr. while project technical staff are Eileen Aguirre, Bender Ambas, Clarrence Kate Malao, Lynette Cholin and Jerome Quitola.

 

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Ifugao gov’t offers poor but deserving studes scholarships

LAGAWE, Ifugao -- More than five hundred incoming poor but deserving college students are being eyed as beneficiaries of  the provincial government’s  scholarship program this coming school year.
    The provincial government started recruiting grantees from 11 municipalities for the  Tertiary Assistance Program (TEAP) for school year 2021-2022.
    Each barangay was provided three slots.
    Barangay officials were asked to assist in recruiting scholars in their localities regardless of what year they are in.
    Duly accomplished applications with complete attachments should be submitted to the Provincial Administrator’s Office on or before July 15, 2021.
    A grantee must enroll at any public tertiary school, must be a permanent resident of the barangay, has  a weighted average of at least 75% upon graduation from high school and course must not exceed five years.
    Application forms can be secured from the barangay captains.
    Other requirements of the program include certified photocopy of Form 138-A (Grade 12), enrolment assessment form, certificate of indigency  from punong barangay and certification that the applicant or any member of applicant's direct family is not a current recipient of any scholarship or educational assistance of the provincial government.
    The TEAP grant provides P3,500.00 per semester to pay other miscellaneous expenses of grantees.
    P1,500 additional cash assistance  is provided for summer classes required in the grantee's curriculum. 
    Provincial officials enacted on  Nov. 8, 2004 ordinance 2004-7 establishing the TEAP of the provincial local government unit for poor but deserving secondary graduates of Ifugao to pursue their tertiary education and patronize the public tertiary school in the province. -- PIA Ifugao
 

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1,500 poor Vizcaya youths graduate scholarship program

By Benjamin Moses M. Ebreo

BAYOMBONG, Nueva Vizcaya – A scholarship program offered to Nueva Vizcaya youth have turned them into graduates of technical-vocational courses.
    Vice Gov. Jose Tomas, Sr. said since 2019, 1,500 indigent youths have been given scholarship slots and graduated with their skills now being used for their families’ livelihood.
    He said these graduates finished their studies through the Tam-an AgriTech Tourism and Training Center (ATTTC), an accredited technical-vocational skills learning center by the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA).
    "We are proud to announce that there are six graduates this year who came from remote barangays of our province. It is our prayer to help everyone gain the necessary skills they can use to build better future for them and their families," Tomas said.
    He said the scholarship program through the ATTTC has been established to reduce poverty in Nueva Vizcaya.
    Tomas said the scholarship program is supported by Sen. Sonny Angara, COOP NATCCO Party List and Rep. Luisa Cuaresma. -- PIA 2 Nueva Vizcaya

 

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CHED, 3 Baguio universities ink scholarship for instructors

LA TRINIDAD, Benguet --The Commission on Higher Education – Cordillera Administrative Region (CHED-CAR) under Dr. Danilo B. Bose, OIC Office of the Director IV and three private Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) signed memorandum of agreement “Delivering higher education institution (DHEI) for the scholarship for instructors’ knowledge advancement program (SIKAP)” grant Jan. 28 here at CHED-CAR regional office.
    The three HEIs were Saint Louis University, University of Baguio and the University of the Cordilleras.
    Saint Louis University was represented by Dr. Jeffrey Centeño, executive assistant to the president and Dr. Cecilia Mercado, dean for advance studies and grant administrator.
    University of Baguio was represented by Dr. Janice Kaylyn Lonogan, vice president for academic affairs and doctors Aida Dapiawen, Kareen Leon and Charesma Grace Lud-ayen, deans from different colleges of the university.
    UC president Dr. Nancy Flores with vice president of administration Dr. Rhodora Ngolob took part in the activity.
    The grant provides opportunities for HEI teaching personnel, or former HEI teaching personnel who wish to go back to the academic to acquire advance degree.
    HEI teaching personnel may apply as SIKAP grant scholar, provided they qualify into the eligibility criteria and qualifying and selection process.
    There are two scholarship types: full time scholars and part time scholars.
    The eligibility requirements: Filipino citizen, employed as a teaching personnel in HEI, been employed as teaching personnel the last 12 months at the time of application, does not hold full time employment in any government agency or private company which are not HEIs.
    Full time scholars must commit to pursue the program on full time study.
    Part time scholars must commit to have a maximum of 12 units of teaching load or 20 hours of work per week in no case greater than any of the 2 conditions.
    The financial privileges are: masters full time scholars actual  tuition and other fees, while the living allowance for full time masters is P25,000/month and P12,500/month for part time, for full time doctorate is P33,000/month and P16,500 for part time.
    There are book allowance and transportation assistance for scholars studying outside their province, P12,000 for full time scholars while P6,000 for part time scholars.
    Additional privilege is thesis allowance of P50,000 and dissertation allowance worth P100,000
    SIKAP grant is under CHED K to 12 transition program management unit (TPMU).
    The permanent alternate focal person of CHED CAR K to 12 PMU is Dr. Mariano D. Marchan Jr.
    Project technical staff are Eileen Aguirre, Bender Ambas, Clarrence Kate Malao, Lynette Cholin and Jerome Quitola.

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Scholarships slated for transport groups

 To ease PUJ modernization effects 

By Susan  C. Aro

BAGUIO CITY -- The Land Transportation and Franchising and Regulatory Board -Cordillera Region urged jeepney drivers, family members and other stakeholders affected by the Public Utility Vehicle   Modernization Program (PUVMP) to avail of government’s technical-vocational (tech-voc) scholarship program.
    The Technical Education Skills and Development Authority and Dept. of Transportation signed Dec. 11, 2019 the memorandum of agreement on the “Tsuper Iskolar” for those who will be displaced under the PUVMP.
    Qualified to apply are displaced persons affected by the PUVMP, stakeholders who opt to voluntarily exit from the transport industry, stakeholders who opt to continue in the transport industry, new stakeholders in the transport industry, and family members/dependents of the affected stakeholders up to the third degree of consanguinity or affinity.
    Engineer Elmer Mendoza, the LTFRB focal person on Tsuper Iskolar , said  there are nine courses under the program for the city and Benguet which are all under National Certificate II,  a TESDA-issued competency certificate.
    The tech-voc courses with 25 slots allotted for Baguio City are bread and pastry production, slaughtering operations, and security services except for cookery with 50 slots.
    But the 25 slots for driving course have already been filled up, said Mendoza.
    For Benguet particularly in La Trinidad, 25 slots were allotted each for heavy equipment operations for bulldozer, heavy equipment operations for hydraulic excavator, heavy equipment operations for wheel loader, and shielded metal arc welding.
    LTFRB   is in charge of evaluating applicants based prior to endorsing them to TESDA, Mendoza said.
Interested applicants need to present as a requirement the copy of the PUV franchise.
    Qualified recipients to the program will be entitled to free skills training and free skills assessment with training support fund equivalent to P350 to cover food and transportation allowance. They will also be provided with free entrepreneurship training. –PIA Cordillera
 

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Congress okays bills to spur economy, give medical scholarships

BAGUIO CITY – Congress has approved on third and final reading bills to address the Covid-19 pandemic and provide medical scholarship to deserving students and frontliners, Rep. Mark Go revealed.

In an online media forum August 11, Go said House Bill 6953 or the Bayanihan to Recover As One Act, also known as the Bayanihan 2, and  House Bill 6756 or the Medical Scholarship and Return Service Program were approved in a virtual plenary session Aug. 10.

HB 6953 aims to hasten the country’s Covid-19 recovery and response by providing stimulus and recovery measures such as low-interest loans for micro, small and medium enterprises; additional resources for health care; sustained efforts for COVID-19 testing, tracing, isolation, and treatment, and support programs for health workers, among others. 

Go said that the bill will not to respond to Covid-19 but boost the economy. 

The Lower House approved a P162-billion fund as economic stimulus.

Senate version is P140B. 

Go said that they will  wait  for the bicameral conference committee of both Houses to iron out differences in their respective versions for  approval for signing into law by the President.

President Rodrigo Roa Duterte, in his fifth state of the nation address urged Congress to pass the Bayanihan 2 to speed up the country’s recovery from the Covid-19 pandemic.

Meanwhile, Go, chairperson of the committee on higher and technical education has sponsored the bill granting medical scholarship with return service to deserving students. 

This expands the current scholarship programs already established in eight state universities and colleges. 

Under this bill, medical students can also avail of scholarships in private higher education institutions in regions where there are no SUCs offering a medical course or scholarship. 

Scholarship benefits include allowance for prescribed books, clothing/uniform, supplies and equipment; allowance for dormitory or boarding house accommodation including transportation; Internship and medical board review fees, and annual medical insurance, and other education-related miscellaneous subsistence or expenses. (JDP/RMC- PIA CAR) 

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TESDA opens more Kalinga scholarships

CITY OF TABUK, Kalinga -- Job generation in the province is expected to rise with the additional 1,725 scholarship slots opened by the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) provincial training center for year 2019-2020.

 TESDA-Kalinga provincial director Joel M. Pilotin said the slots offered to Kalinga this year increased from last year’s 1,345.

Training period is from October 2019-October 2020.

TESDA continues to level-up its program under the government’s Universal Access to Quality Tertiary Education Act (UAQTEA) aimed to develop the ‘human infrastructure’ in the country.  Through this, the country’s labor force   will be among the world’s top-demand that ultimately would address unemployment and poverty, Pilotin said.

                Meanwhile, Artemio Jose, TESDA-Kalinga Training Center head, said 1,145 trainees   have completed technical-vocational courses as of July 2019 while 200 others are expected to finish this quarter.

                Beneficiaries enrolled are provided P160 daily stipend, P5, 000 learning material allowance plus insurance coverage.

                Jose urged the out-of-school and unemployed to avail of the scholarship slots saying this would qualify them for employment here and overseas. The training center uses updated training materials and tools to prepare graduates for today’s work.

Courses offered include automotive, welding, bread and pastry, masonry, carpentry, painting, driving, furniture and organic agriculture. (JDP/LL-PIA CAR, Kalinga)

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DOST scholarship applications open

By Julie G. Fianza

BAGUIO CITY- Department of Science and Technology (DOST) scholarships are available for graduating senior high students in Science Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) and non-STEM strand with downloadable forms at website www.sei.dost.gov.ph or could be procured from the Public Information Office, Mayor’s Office, Baguio City Hall.

The forms which should be filled up properly by the applicant, parents/guardians, guidance counselor, physician, principal and for RA7687 applicants, barangay official/s, need to be submitted on or before Sept. 6, 2019 at the DOST office, Km. 6, for evaluation and examination on Oct. 20, 2019. For the venue and other inquiries, the DOST scholarship staff may be contacted at tel. no. (074) 422-0979.

Said DOST Science Education Institute (DOST-SEI) Undergraduate Scholarship application is open for the non-STEM upper top five percent of the graduating class, and all STEM students who want to pursue careers in basic and applied sciences, engineering and Science and Mathematics teaching.

In a letter to Mayor Benjamin Magalong, DOST-CAR Regional Director Nancy Bantog requested for information dissemination in the city’s senior high schools.

Applicants may be those who plan to pursue priority fields in basic sciences, mathematics or teaching; or for the DOST Merit scholarship program, students with high aptitude in science and mathematics; and are willing to render return service on a full-time basis for a period equivalent to the scholarship.

The scholars should study in state universities and colleges (SUCs); Commission on Higher Education (CHED)-identified Centers of Excellence or centers of development to the Science and Technology programs; and institutions with FAAP level III accreditation.

Student-applicants should d supply their personal data including the Dep-Ed learner reference number, affidavit of guardianship for parents who work abroad or who have passed on, certificate of good moral character, good health, principal’s certification, residency, parents’ certification of non-pending application for immigration, and household profile, among others.

A certification should be given by the applicant that he has not taken any previous DOST-SEI undergraduate scholarship, or may have qualified but did not avail of the award, and has not earned any post-secondary or undergraduate units.

The applicant should also pass the university entrance examination where he intends to study any, or related fields of sciences such as engineering, agriculture, biotechnology, chemistry, animal science, mathematics, applied physics, statistics, astronomy, secondary education major in sciences, chemistry, computer systems, veterinary medicine, environmental science, fisheries, food technology, forestry, geodetic and geography, geology, health, industrial studies, pharmacy, information technology, library science, management science, manufacturing, materials, marine, mechanical, medical laboratory science, metallurgical, meteorology, microbiology, mining, pharmaceutical, nutrition, packaging, physics, psychology, public health and science teaching.

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Bontoc students’ assistance upped

BONTOC, Mountain Province -- The financial assistance of P2, 500.00 per semester provided by the Bontoc municipal government to every student- grantee will increase to P5, 000.00 per semester next year.

This, after the SangguniangPanlalawigan of Mountain Province, approved Ordinance No. 305, s. 2018 entitled “The 2018 Revised Student Financial Assistance Ordinance of Bontoc, Mountain Province” sponsored by Sangguniang Bayan member Alsannyster F. Patingan who also chairs the Committee on Laws, and passed by the Sangguniang Bayan.

The august body supported the proposal of Patingan, a lawyer for revision of the ordinance citing that despite the additional slots created in the ordinance and increase of the amount of financial assistance to P2, 500.00 per semester or P5, 000. 00 per year; there has been a noticeable drop in the number of students availing of the program and there are vacancies and non-utilization of some allotted slots per barangay.

It was found out that the amount of financial assistance given to every student-grantee is deemed lower compared to the financial assistance provided by other agencies and offices. Thus, students prefer to apply to other agencies or institutions who offer the same financial assistance, but with a higher amount. Also, increased prices of goods and costs of living at present had diminished the value of the amount given; and the uncertainty of subjects offered each semester contributes to the student –grantee’s difficulties in maintaining the required number of units to qualify.

The Sangguniang Bayan said there is a need to make the program responsive to changes of time for full utilization of funds.

 Among the revisions include decrease in number of allotted slots per barangay, but would be compensated by the doubling of the amount of the financial assistance to be received by ever student-grantee. Further, with the criteria in the acceptance of a grantee will become more stringent, it is all done in the hopes that the program will benefit only the most deserving of the applicants.

Qualified to avail of the program are students enrolled in the tertiary level of education who are studying in any educational institutions within Bontoc or outside the capital town provided that its main office/campus is located within the municipality.

A qualified student- grantee shall receive the amount of P5, 000.00 per semester, after the end of each semester, provided she/he complied with all the requirements which she/he will submit to the officer whom the local chief executive shall entrust the program for supervision.

The requirements include a letter of intent, certificate of indigence, favorable endorsement from the barangay certifying that applicant and her/his family’s indigence and residence therein; certificate of enrolment or other proof of enrolment in a tertiary level educational institution, with a minimum load of 15 units, except for graduating students who only have less than 15 units remaining to complete their degree; final grades in the immediately preceding regular semester or summer prior to the applicant for college students, while High School Report Card for the fresh graduate in high school; and a proof of registration as a voter of the municipality for an applicant who is over 18 years old.

It was stated in the ordinance that an applicant can be disqualified to avail of the program if she /he is already a recipient of a similar scholarship or financial assistance program by other institutions, except, where such scholarship is bestowed upon the applicant by the institution where she/he is currently enrolled in as a result of her /his outstanding performance such as the applicant qualifies in dean’s list or college scholar or a working student in the said educational institution; the applicant has a relative up to the fourth civil degree of consanguinity who is currently a qualified grantee of the student financial assistance program of Bontoc municipal government, applicant has a general weighted average below 80% or incurs a final failing grade in any subject, dropped one more of her/his subjects, or incurs a final mark of “incomplete” on the semester/summer prior to the filing of the application; and other analogous circumstances as may be decided by the screening committee who is in charge of the screening and determination of qualified applicants.

The ordinance also specified that each barangay shall be allocated a minimum of five slots with an additional one slot per 500 populations. Barangay Alab Oriente is provided with six slots; Barangay Alab Proper –six; Balili- six; Bayyo- five; Bontoc Ili -14; Caluttit –nine; Can-eo is given six slots; Dalican-7; Gonogon- six; Guina-ang with seven slots; Mainit- seven; Maligcong- six; Poblacion -11; Samoki -10; Talubin -8; and Tocucan- seven. This totaled to 121 slots.

Bontoc Mayor Franklin C.Odsey in an interview ,said increase of the financial assistance next year is the result of the harmonious relationship of the executive and legislative body, working together and giving primacy to education.

The financial assistance aims to augment the financial needs of deserving college students who are willing to finish their studies. -- Alpine L. Killa

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