THE Iloilo Provincial Government welcomed its new set of scholars comprising batch 24 of the Iskolar sang Iloilo Program (Isip).

There are a total of 125 beneficiaries or 25 per district. They are freshmen students currently enrolled in state colleges and universities, namely, the University of the Philippines Visayas (UP Visayas), West Visayas State University (WVSU), Iloilo Science and Technology University (ISAT-U), Northern Iloilo Polytechnic State College (NIPSC), and Iloilo State College of Fisheries (ISCOF).

Isip is open to economically-challenged but deserving senior high school students and bonafide residents of Iloilo Province.

Each scholar is entitled to a monthly stipend of P3,500; book allowance of P4,000 per year; annual uniform allowance of P2,000; and thesis allowance of P2,500 for graduating students.

Governor Arthur Defensor Jr. led the distribution of check amounting to P20,500 to each beneficiary on February 6, 2020. The amount covers their allowance for five months, P2,000 book allowance, and P1,000 clothing allowance.

Defensor encouraged the scholars to excel academically.

“You are here because you are the crème of the crop. So do not sacrifice your academic records because your credential makes a big difference when applying for a job,” he said.

Joanna Mae Molaga, who is currently taking up Bachelor of Science in Nursing at WVSU, said the scholarship is an opportunity to empower the youth to pursue their studies despite the financial struggle.

“To my fellow youth, I encourage you to exert effort and perseverance because the Provincial Government is ready to support you when you need it,” she said.

Alma Ravena, head of the Human Resource Management and Development Office, said that since the implementation of the scholarship program in 1996, the Provincial Government has already produced more than 2,000 scholars, with several now employed at the Capitol. (PR)