AROUND 3,000 students from Mindanao have received scholarships from the Armed Forces of the Philippines Educational System Office (AFPebso).

Lieutenant Colonel Alexander Ambal, chief and general manager of AFPebso, said more than half of the total number of scholars of their agency are in Mindanao.

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"Half of the 6,000 scholars that we have nationwide are here in Mindanao," Ambal said, adding that their scholars are in elementary, high school, and university levels.

Ambal said 250 universities nationwide have provided scholarships for students whose parents are killed in action or have suffered from disability brought about by an encounter.

"About 90 percent of our scholars lost one of their parents in combat, while the 10 percent are those whose parents suffered from disabilities," Ambal said.

Some of the donors, according to Ambal, include Don Emilio Yap of Manila Hotel and Heroes Foundation.

Ambal called on the families and children of soldiers who suffered during combat to visit their office so they can avail of the scholarship program. (CPM/With Peng Aliño)