• GILBERT P. BAYORAN
The 415 incoming scholars of the Negros Occidental provincial government signed a memorandum of agreement (MOA) with Gov. Eugenio Jose Lacson in a ceremony held at the L’ Fisher Hotel in Bacolod City on Monday (July 29).
The scholars, who came from various local government units in the province, underwent rigid screening, including a series of exams and interviews before qualifying for the scholarship.
They will enjoy free tuition and miscellaneous fees and receive book and uniform allowances.
They form part of the 1,276 provincial government scholars for the school year 2024 -2025 under 13 scholarship categories, who are enrolled in different schools and universities.
The MOA signing was witnessed by Fifth District Board Member Rita Gatuslao, chairman of the Provincial Board’s committee on education, and Karen Dinsay, head of the Negros Occidental Scholarship Program Division.
The scholarship categories are Pagkaon Scholarship Grant, Pagkaon-Food Technology, Pagkaon-Degree Completion Scholarship, District Educational Scholarship, Degree Completion Scholarship, Indigenous Peoples’ Scholarship, Negros Occidental Provincial Medical and Nursing Scholarship, Provincial Educational Assistance to Capitol Employees, Best of Negros, Scholarship for Persons with Disabilities, Scholarship for Children of Non-Returning Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs), Midwifery Scholarship, and Degree Completion Scholarship for OFWs.
In his message, Lacson urged the scholars to be responsible students and take full advantage of the chance to learn and grow.
“This MOA signing represents a new door to a world of opportunities awaiting you. As you venture into this new chapter, always remember that you are also paving the way for other young Negrenses who are going to follow in your footsteps,” he said. | GB
