CLARK FREEPORT -- At least 28 students from the Nueva Ecija University of Science and Technology (NEUST) will receive scholarship grants from Clark Development Corporation (CDC).

This after an agreement was signed between the CDC and the local government of Sta. Rosa town in Nueva Ecija in a simple ceremony held recently.

The students from Nueva Ecija will be the first beneficiaries of CDC outside the provinces of Pampanga and Tarlac, as the state-owned firm continues to expand horizons not only in nearby communities but also to other provinces.

The Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) granting financial assistance for the education of NEUST students was signed by CDC President-Chief Executive Officer Noel F. Manankil and Sta. Rosa Municipal Mayor Josefino M. Angeles.

A check amounting to P980,000 was also turned over after the MOA signing, which will be used for the tertiary education of the underprivileged students residing in Sta. Rosa, Nueva Ecija.

Manankil approved the granting of financial assistance saying, "it's something that is really noteworthy to support.”

“We saw a very good (educational) program, there are already graduates, and there are some that are currently enrolled," he added.

During the signing and issuance of the check to Angeles, Manankil was joined by CDC Director Nestor Villaroman Jr., and AVP for External Affairs Rommel Narciso. Also present during the event were CDC Vice President for Security Services Atty Ramsey Ocampo, Vice President for Admin and Finance Mariza Mandocdoc, and Communications Division Manager Anthony Emmanuel Tulabut.

Angeles was accompanied by Municipal Administrator Argee Esquejo.

Angeles also thanked CDC executives for supporting their program in giving financial aid to deserving students coming from low-income families of his town.

“Ang bayan ng Sta. Rosa ay lubos na nagpapasalamat sa Clark Development Corporation. Sa ngalan po ng Santa Rosa, amin pong pagsisikapan at papatnubayan ito pong ibibigay ninyong programang ito,” he said.

The CDC, through its Corporate Social Responsibility Placement Division (CSRPD), has been consistent over the years in supporting education and livelihood programs dedicated to helping disadvantaged individuals in attaining their dreams.

Some of its existing CSR projects include OB Montessori Family Care Center, CDC Academic Excellence Award, soap-making project and "Aetapreneur," among others.