CEBU, Philippines - At least 25 more graduating high school students will have the chance to proceed to college, as the Rotary Club of Cebu- Fuente, STI and ABS-CBN Central Visayas renew pact for the “Libreng Eskwela Halad sa Kapamilya Year 2.”
The three organizations recently signed a memorandum of agreement to extend the scholarship program, which pioneered last year. Department of Education Regional Director Recaredo Borgonia also signed the MOA, saying DepEd believes that the program would help build the community through education.
RCCF President Rogelio Filipino said they decided to extend the program because it is during these trying times when more students may no longer get a chance at a higher education because of financial difficulties.
“Libreng Eskwela Halad sa Kapamilya” is a scholarship grant for intelligent yet needy high school graduating students whose parents have no capability of sending them to college.
Last year’s project only catered to students from within Metro Cebu but this year, students from all over the province may apply for a slot.
Ten students may avail of a four-year program while 15 will get to enroll in a two-year associate program either in information and communications technology, engineering and health care courses at STI College.
Graduating students belonging to the top 25 of their class- or those with an overall grade average of 85 percent during the fourth grading period- may file their application next month. Preliminary interviews will also begin next month until April.
The final screening will be from May 4 to 9 while the new scholars will be announced on May 11.
Filipino said scholars are required to maintain a 1.7 grade for each subject in college. The first batch of scholars remains complete, so far.
STI Area Manager for the Visayas Joel Dy, also a member of RCCF, said parents of students who will qualify for the grant would have to ensure that they can provide their children with food and transportation allowance so that the education would not be hindered. – Jessica Ann R. Pareja/JMO (THE FREEMAN)