A total of 1,376 scholarship grantees formally entered into a memorandum of agreement (MOA) with the provincial government of Negros Occidental, represented by Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson, July 22.
The scholars are from all cities and municipalities of Negros Occidental and qualified under various scholarship categories, supervised by the Negros Occidental Scholarship Program (NOSP).
Lacson emphasized that investing in education remains one of the provincial government’s most meaningful and far-reaching investments, noting that empowering young Negrenses today strengthens the foundation of the province’s future.
“The provincial government of Negros Occidental remains firm in its commitment to addressing the gaps and inequalities that continue to limit access to education,” he said in a Capitol press release, adding the scholarship program ensures that qualified Negrense students can pursue higher education, regardless of their financial circumstances.
Under the MOA, the provincial government, as grantor, commits to implementing the scholarship program through established policies, selecting qualified grantees, paying tuition and other matriculation fees directly to partner-colleges and universities, ensuring the availability of scholarship funds, and monitoring the academic progress of scholars until they complete their courses.
Lacson encouraged the scholars to treat the scholarship, not merely as financial assistance but as a vote of confidence in their abilities.
“Study with purpose, live with integrity, and carry with you the hope that one day you, too, will make a difference in the lives of others and in the province that believes in you,” he told the scholars.
The Capitol also recognized 340 scholars, who completed their degrees in 2026, reflecting the program’s continuing contribution to producing educated and skilled Negrense professionals.
Lacson cited the program’s academic achievements, noting that it has produced 89 Latin honor graduates, including three summa cum laude, 38 magna cum laude, and 48 cum laude recipients.
In addition, 181 scholarship beneficiaries have successfully passed various professional licensure examinations, including those for teachers, physicians, nurses, medical technologists, pharmacists, psychometricians, midwives, certified public accountants, criminologists, engineers, foresters, agriculturists, and other licensed professionals.
Lacson thanked parents and families for their unwavering support, and commended the Negros Occidental Scholarship Program Division for sustaining the program as an instrument of hope and empowerment for Negrense youth.
The MOA signing was witnessed by Board Member Rita Gatuslao, chairperson of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan Committee on Education, Board Member Mavelyn Madrid, NOSP head Karen Dinsay, and OIC provincial agriculturist, Dr. Dina Genzola, among others. ||
