Sunday, June 08, 2008 22 kids get cop-sponsored scholarships
SAN FERNANDO CITY, La Union -- Twenty-two children from poor families are this year's scholars of the La Union Police Provincial Office's (Luppo) "Batang Mahirap: Edukasyon Mo, Sagot Ko" for school year 2008-2009.
The Grade I and II pupils, all enrolled at public schools, are being sponsored by the 20 town and city police stations here, the provincial command and the La Union Provincial Mobile Group (LUPMG).
Police Provincial Director Noli Taliño said the school materials were turned over to the pupils' supplies last Thursday when the program was launched at Camp Diego Silang, here.
Special guests were La Union Provincial Board Member Victoria Aragon, chairperson on the committees on social services/women and family welfare and development and responsible parenthood and poverty alleviation, and Dr. Lorna Bugayong of the Department of Education (DepEd) regional office.
The elementary scholars are Jesrel Balderas (sponsored by Agoo Police Station), Joan Torio (Aringay PS), Ma. Anna Bueno (Bacnotan PS), Kian Eaves Abenes (Bagulin PS), Charina May Fabro (Balaoan PS), Marife Madrigal (Bangar PS), Maria Victoria Estonilo (Bauang PS), Patricia Mae Ngan-oy (Burgos PS), Lorenzo Marigza Jr. (Caba PS), Ed Narceda (Luna PS), Judy Ann Tasani (Naguilian PS), Rowel Abrerra (Pugo PS), James Laorio (Rosario PS), Antonio Balanon Jr. (San Fernando City PS), Joan Palabay (San Gabriel PS), Nidaline Oriente (Santol PS), Ilomar Quisay (San Juan PS), Nikka Ramos (Sto. Tomas PS), Denise Ann Yap (Sudipen PS), Maybelen Asuncion (Tubao PS), Angel Mae Masi (LUPMG), and Jemwel Domingo (Luppo).
Taliño said most of the pupils will be second graders, while the others will be first graders.
"This is a continuation of the project initially launched last year. We would like to thank our partners in this endeavor, the government officials and those from the private sector. Also, those who shared some money through the coin tin cans we placed at fast food centers, banks and other business establishments," he stated.
The different police units will also extend financial assistance to their respective scholars for his/her school fees and extra-curricular expenses.
About P15,000 were raised out of the said coin tin cans. This, together with the Luppo's contribution, was used in purchasing the school materials, which included shoes, bags and school uniform.
Former vice governor Aureo Nisce donated P10,000 in cash.
Inspired by the effort of the police, Taliño said the board member proposed that they expand the program to first year high school students.
"We have a new partner, the La Union Provincial Board. Board Member Aragon has confirmed the vice governor's support for the program, In fact, they pledged P50,000 initial assistance. So, we are now in the process of looking for new set of scholars. They will be formally introduced before classes start," Taliño said. (LCMY/Sunnex)
