LP offering Scholarships

CEBU, Philippines - The Liberal Party is offering scholarship for college education for next school year.

This was revealed by Bogo City Mayor Celestino “Junie” Martinez Jr. whose son, former Cebu fourth district Rep. Celestino “Tining” Martinez III, is running for congressman in May under the LP.

In an interview over Bantay Radyo, Junie said the program was launched last December wherein each municipality and city in the Province of Cebu is allocated with slots for scholarship from President Benigno Aquino III.

Junie said Bogo City alone has 50 to 70 slots, he is not sure about the other local government units.

Junie said that applicants should secure recommendation from barangay leaders of LP such as the barangay captains.

In case the barangay captain is not an LP ally, Junie said applicants can go directly to the mayor’s office or to provincial chairman, gubernatorial candidate Hilario Davide III.

The scholarship is mainly for state colleges and universities but it can also be availed in private institutions, said Martinez.He said in Bogo City, private colleges entered into a memorandum of understanding in accepting government scholars.

Martinez explained that there are delays in processing of government funds which discourages private institutions from accepting scholars.

Martinez hinted that some politicians also offered scholarship only to find out that the parents have shouldered the expenses of their children.  He cited the scholarship program of his son’s opponent, Rep. Benhur Salimbangon who allegedly offered scholarships but with no funds available.

Salimbangon has been providing financial assistance up to P2,500 per semester for each students enrolled in state colleges and universities a full scholarship to those enrolled for short term courses at Technical Education and Skills Development Authority Training Centers.

Martinez urged leaders who recommended scholars to follow up and not just leave alone the applications alone after all the requirements are submitted.  (FREEMAN)