Victorias City celebrated the success of 19 grantees from Batch I, Track II of the Skills Intensification and Knowledge Advancement Training for Community Empowerment and Active Multi-Sectoral Integration (SIKAT CAMI) program, Oct. 17.
The city also signed during the completion ceremony the scholarship agreement for 15 more grantees, who will compose Batch II of the SIKAT CAMI program.
This specialized leadership training program for local leaders, including kagawads and Sangguniang Kabataan chairpersons, is implemented by the Victorias City Scholarship and Educational Assistance Program (VCSEAP), in partnership with the Central Philippines State University (CPSU).
Mayor Javier Miguel Benitez, in his message, commended the VCSEAP and its partners for their dedication to education and lifelong learning.
He also shared the city’s future plans for partnerships, focusing on education as a foundation for community development, the city said Oct. 18.
Vice Mayor Abelardo Bantug III, meanwhile, emphasized the importance of continuous education for local leaders.
CPSU vice president for Academic Affairs, Dr. Fernando Abello, in his keynote message, lauded the city for offering a rare and comprehensive training program that few other local governments provide.
The training falls under the “Special Educational Assistance” category of the city’s SEAP, as per Section 7.6 of the SEAP Ordinance.
The 19 grantees completed the five-month SIKAT CAMI program, which three courses in public administration and governance. Each course earned participants 12 academic units that can be credited toward a Master in Public Administration degree at CPSU, the city said.
The top five scholars from Batch I were Jose Jennifer Belandres, Nelson Beatingo Jr., Roy Claveras, Ma. Theresa Moreno, and Gallardo Lazo.
Belandres, on behalf of all the completers, thanked their mentors and SIKAT CAMI program implementers, and stressed the relevance of the program to the aptitude development of local leaders in Victorias.
Claveras also underscored the value of the training in shaping their roles as public servants.
VCSEAP is implemented, under the leadership of Benitez as VCSEAC chairman, and facilitated by City Planning and Development coordinator, Dr. Evangeline Alo.
SIKAT CAMI professor, Atty. Japhet Masculino, commended the city and the program implementers for their commitment to empowering local leaders through education.
Councilor Derek Palanca, chairperson of the SP Committee on Education, acknowledged the efforts of all partners and stakeholders involved in the program.
He and Bantug joined Benitez and XVIII-A SK chairperson Jericho De La Cruz in signing the scholarship agreement, and the ceremony was attended by city councilors, department heads, barangay captains, SIKAT CAMI professors, CPSU faculty and staff, and grantees. ||
