The city government of Victorias awarded scholarship certificates to 109 beneficiaries under the Victorias City Scholarship and Educational Assistance Program, at the Don Alejandro Acuña Yap Quiña Arts and Cultural Center June 22.
Mayor Abelardo Bantug III, chair of the program, led the ceremony alongside Vice Mayor Derek Palanca and members of the Sangguniang Panlungsod.
The new batch includes two graduate studies scholars, 30 college, and 77 technical-vocational grantees.
Bantug stressed the importance of accessible education in driving inclusive growth, and encouraged scholars to maximize the opportunity.
Provincial Board Member and Liga ng mga Barangays Negros Occidental chapter president Richard Julius Sablan highlighted the role of education in strengthening both individual and community development.
Palanca, meanwhile, expressed the sanggunian’s continues support, noting that education is a pathway to uplift families from poverty.
Student-representatives John Mark Berina and John Rey Pontino thanked the city and affirmed their commitment to academic excellence, the city said in a press release.
Following the agreement signing, city officials and partner-institutions led the presentation of scholarship certificates to students pursuing graduate studies, and college scholars taking up Bachelor of Science in Hospitality Management Information Technology, Agribusiness, and Elementary Education.
Technical vocational courses were Hotel and Restaurant Management, Business Office Technology, Garment Technology, Shielded Metal Arc Welding, and Machining.
Councilor Juvy Pepello, chairperson of the SP Committee on Education, encouraged the scholars to remain focused and empowered as they pursue their academic and career goals.
Partner-institutions, including the Central Philippines State University represented by president Dr. Aladino Moraca; Christian Sabando of CPSU Victorias; Don Bosco Technical Institute, represented by TVET director Edward Villordon; Laura Vicuña Women Development and Training Center, represented by technical directress Sr. Ernielyn Deypalan; and Mapúa Malayan Digital College, represented by Dave Solatorio, also expressed support and encouraged scholars to persevere. ||
