ON MARCH 28, 2023, City Mayor Maria Gina M. Lizares of Sipalay City signed a Memorandum of Agreement with Mapua Malayan Digital College (MMDC) to offer scholarships as part of the Sustaining Growth through Education-Employment-Entrepreneurship Program.
The program is made possible by the Gender and Development Fund 2023 and is aimed at providing Sipalaynons with the opportunity to pursue a college degree, vocational courses, and continuing education for city government employees for free.
The partnership with MMDC is the first scholarship component of the city government's program to enhance the quality of education, reduce poverty, and foster economic development in the area. At the MOA signing, Mayor Lizares commended the efforts of the government, education, and business sectors in ensuring the growth of Sipalaynon over the years.
Present during the MOA signing were officials from different organizations, including Partnership and Corporate Communications Manager Joshua Villanueva, Community Affairs Officer Katherine Maguad-Jocame, Sangguniang Panlungsod Secretary Florante Rufino, Executive Assistant to the Mayor Rita R. Santes, CSWDO-OIC Ivy Lynn Gallenero, Human Resources Division Representative Nichole Blythe Chavez, Marjorie Namacpacan, representatives from Quidan Kaisahan, Punong Barangays, DepEd Officers, Environment Mgt Specialist Reynante Aplicy, MMDC Abanse Negrense Scholars, and their parents.
The signing of the MOA signifies a new era in education in Sipalay City, where underprivileged students can now pursue higher education for free. The city government hopes that this partnership with MMDC will pave the way for other similar initiatives that can further support the development of the city and its people.*(PR)