Luigi's scholars claim financial help

CEBU, Philippines - A thousand beneficiaries of sixth district Representative Luis Gabriel Quisumbing's "Iskolar Quisumbing "IQ" Educational Assistance Program" have each received their P2,500 stipend from the Legislators Priority Development Assistance Fund (PDAF).

"IQ" is a scholarship program meant for poor but deserving college students from Mandaue City and Consolacion and Cordova towns.

The program is being implemented in partnership with the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD).

The recipients were identified after passing the criteria set by the staff of Quisumbing's district office. Each student is entitled to P2,500 per semester as educational assistance.

Jessielito Perez, the manager of Quisumbing's district office in Mandaue, said scholars from Cordova town were the first to receive their stipend last Thursday while those from Mandaue received their stipend yesterday.

Scholars from Consolacion town will receive their share today.

Perez said the recipients will remain the legislator's scholars until his term ends.

During its launchiong last July, the scholars were told that they do not necessarily need to maintain high grades in school.

Passing grades would suffice to remain in the program.

A failing grade would mean the end of the scholarship.

Quisumbing's scholarship program aims to make quality education accessible to the youth.

Quisumbing's program is not solely a scholastic undertaking.

Scholars return the favor through volunteerism.

From the usual practice of scholars dropping by his district office to claim their stipend for enrollment, this time beneficiaries are obliged to attend meetings every second Saturdays of the month which started last September 12.

They are also required to attend general assemblies every end of the semester and are obliged to submit their final grades to make sure they have completed the semester.

If the scholars fail to attend these meetings and general assemblies, they would likely be excluded from the program the following semester. (FREEMAN)