THE Iskolar sang Iloilo Program (Isip) of the provincial government produced its first licensed chemist.
Brienz Athena S. Suaberon, 22, from Sta. Barbara, Iloilo, passed the Chemist Licensure Exam held on October 9 to 10.
She was a fresh graduate of Bachelor of Science in Chemistry at the University of the Philippines Visayas (UPV) in Miagao, Iloilo.
Suaberon said she initially wanted to take up Biology or Medical Technology as she dreamt of becoming a doctor.
But her mother, Ruth Suaberon, advised her to choose a better preparatory course for medicine.
Also, her parents doubt if they could afford to send her to a medical school. Both are food vendors but her father died a year ago.
She then chose Chemistry as she could opt to work in a laboratory if she could not enroll in Medicine.
“I survived even though it was not my priority course because I believe that you should finish whatever you have started,” she said.
Under Isip, the province shouldered her full tuition and miscellaneous fee. She also received P2,800 monthly stipend, P2,000 book allowance yearly, and P1,000 annual uniform allowance.
Her mother thanked Governor Arthur Defensor Sr. for helping the less privileged but deserving students achieve their dreams.
“If she did not qualify for Isip, maybe we could send her to college but it would be hard for us to cover her fees and expenses. Second to God, we are very thankful to Governor Defensor. We hope that he will continue his programs in education that help not only the students but the parents as well,” she said.
Suaberon hopes to find a job soon as she committed to help send her nephew to school.
Isip started in 1995 with only one scholar in each of the five districts. As of 2018, the program has produced a total of 763 scholars.
Qualified beneficiaries must be enrolled in various state colleges and universities in the city and province taking up courses related to engineering, education, and agriculture, among others.
For 2018, their privileges were increased. Each scholar is now entitled to P3,500 monthly stipend and P2,000 book allowance.
They have to maintain a general weighted average (GWA) of 2.5 and a grade not lower than 3.0.
Alma Ravena, head of the Human Resource Management and Development Office (HRMDO), said that based on their record, the scholars have produced higher grades than the required GWA. (PR)