TWO hundred twenty-three scholars of Negros Occidental's Project Free Paglaum program completed their post-graduate studies and were lauded by Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson who served as their commencement speaker during their graudation held at USLS Bacolod recently.
Lacson commended the graduates for their dedication and hard work in completing their post graduate studies which will serve as an inspiration to next scholars of the said program.
“Education is one of the most important components of our present administration and it is my priority to strengthen our educational policies,” said Governor Lacson.
“Lives have been deeply transformed by education and I am glad that you are going to be one of those, and that you are going to impart the same to our students,” he added.
The Flagships to Reach Educational Excellence-Paglaum Program (Project Free) is one of the scholarship programs of the Provincial Government of Negros Occidental open to all public elementary and high school teachers in the province who would like to avail of post-graduate studies.
Dr. Annabelle Balor, vice chancellor for academic affairs and Project Free director, said to date, a total of 2,756 public school teachers have already graduated under the said scholarship at USLS.
According to Negros Occidental Scholarship Program Head Karen Dinsay, aside from professional growth and advancement, the scholarship is intended to improve the skills of public school teachers that will resound to the improvement of the scholastic performance of school children.
Brother Joaquin Severino Martinez, USLS Bacolod president and chancellor, said he is thankful to the provincial government for the grant of the scholarship program to Negrense teachers.
Other graduates attended the graduation ceremony virtually in observance of health protocols.
Board Member Agustin Ernesto Bascon, chairman of the SP Committee, was also present at the graduation ceremony.
Governor Bong Lacson recently signed a Memorandum of Agreement with USLS and the Department of Education, granting the same scholarship of the Batch 3 of Project Free scholars.