Sunday, September 07, 2008 'Adopt-A-Scholar' program launched
CITY OF SAN FERNANDO -- Governor Eddie Panlilio, along with members of the civil society group Kasaup, has recently launched the "Adopt-A-Scholar" program, this city.
The program aims to continue the studies of provincial scholars who are facing problems to pay their tuitions due non-approval of requested funds by the Provincial Board (PB).
Panlilio continued the scholarship program of the previous administration.
He was requesting for a P30 million budget to provide educational assistance to the 2,900 scholars of the province.
At present, the province maintains three kinds of scholars. These are the valedictorian graduates from public schools who receive P10,000 each semester; presidents of the Provincial Youth Associations who receive P7,000; and indigent scholars each receiving P5,000 per semester.
The said fund for the scholarship program was included in the 2008 Annual Budget, which was not funded by the PB, according to Panlilio.
Vice Governor Joseller Guiao, in previous interviews, said the reason for the non-approval of the scholarship program is the lack of a concrete program to ensure that the money being given to scholars would not just become a mere "dole out."
During a meeting with civil society groups, the PB allowed the civil society groups to come up with an implementing program for the scholars.
However, while no concrete resolution is undertaken, the "Adopt-A-Scholar" program would serve as a temporary help to the scholars in paying for their tuitions.
In the said program, well-to-do and concerned individuals are encouraged to adopt a scholar. Donations are also being accepted and would be forwarded to the trust account managed by the Provincial Social Development Office (PSWDO). (IOF)
