CHILDREN of drug dependents, victims of crimes and indigents who wish to go to college may avail themselves of the Provincial Government’s Paglaum scholarship grant.

For this school year, the Capitol is giving out an additional 500 slots on top of the 1,375 scholars currently benefitting from the program.

Outgoing Vice Gov. Agnes Magpale said they will start interviewing applicants Monday, June 3, 2019, ahead of the assumption of office of the new set of elected officials.

“The scholarship program, Paglaum, was institutionalized through an ordinance. This year, we will not wait for the new administration to come in July because classes will already start,” she added.

The Provincial Government has set aside P20 million to shoulder the needs of its Paglaum scholars.

A Paglaum scholar receives a tuition assistance of P10,000 and a monthly stipend of P1,500.

All low-income students in Cebu Province, whether or not they have an exemplary performance in high school, may qualify.

Beneficiaries may be indigents; victims of crimes such as rape, drug abuse or human trafficking, among others; and children of drug dependents, dysfunctional families, solo parents and those whose parents are deceased.

As she steps down as vice governor, Magpale is hopeful the incoming administration will continue the scholarship program.

While outgoing third district Rep. Gwendolyn “Gwen” Garcia assumes the governorship, outgoing Gov. Hilario Davide III will take over as vice governor on June 30. (RTF)