Priest pushes for students’ grants

A REDEMPTORIST priest yesterday challenged school officials, politicians and other concerned authorities to allow poor students to finish their studies through grants and asked them to set up a group that will monitor the progress of scholars.

“I have worked for the poor and I know the poor trisikad (driver) will pay (his debts),” said Fr. Emerardo Maningo, a Redemptorist priest and parochial vicar of Our Mother of Perpetual Help Parish.

“(I encourage officials to set up) any program that will take them (the poor) out of poverty,” he added.

Maningo made the challenge following the death of the University of the Philippines–Manila student, Kristel Tejada, who took her own life after she was not allowed to continue to study for failure to pay her tuition.

He said the case was unfortunate. He said a multi-stakeholder group must be organized to monitor scholarship programs.

“I also make an appeal to everyone. If you have parishes with scholarship programs,
you can help them by giving monthly (donations),” he added.

The University of San Jose-Recoletos, the University of San Carlos and the Our Lady of Lourdes parish all offer scholarships to poor students that are not based on their academic standing.

Lenten activity

Maningo was present at the press conference for this year’s Siete Palabras or the Seven Last Words of Jesus before his death.

The activity will involve members of religious congregations handpicked by their superiors to deliver reflections on the Siete Palabras, a first in the Archdiocese of Cebu where diocesan priests are invited as speakers.

Maningo is to speak about the fourth phrase, “My God, My God why have you forsaken me?”

Maningo said he will speak what happened in Jesus’ time and the application of the teachings to the modern world.

Fr. Emilio Larlar of the Order of Augustinian Recollects and USJ-R vice president said the break from tradition is an opportunity for religious congregations to talk about their charism or work.

“(This is a chance to talk about) how we are working for the diocese. Our contribution through our parishes,” said Salesian Fr. Randy Figuracion, Don Bosco Formation Center seminary formator.

He said through the activity, the people are guided to meditate on the commemoration of the suffering, crucifixion and death of Jesus next week, during Holy Week.