CEBU, Philippines — The Commission on Higher Education (CHED) in Central Visayas has commended the Cebu City government and its college scholarship program for continuing to inspire students to be at their best.
Dr. Maximo Aljibe, CHED-7 regional director, lauded the city government during the awarding ceremony for the best stories of successful city scholars where he was the honored guest.
“Ako po ay galing sa napakamahirap na pamilya. Ako po (ay) nabigyan ng oportunidad at tyansa magiging Cocofed scholar,” Aljibe recalled how he become successful.
According to him, he made good use of the opportunity given to him and hopes the current and future scholars of the Cebu City government will do the same.
“Walang duda na ngayon magpupunyagi ang ating mga estudyante sa papamigitan ng pagmomodelo ng ating mga scholars,” added Aljibe.
The City’s College Scholarship Program Executive Director Judy Navarrete said it was their first time holding a documentary-type contest featuring success stories of the City’s scholars. Ariel Ando won the best in Social Media entry while Cebert Cristian Villotes clinched the second place. The third spot went to Seigred Hife.
Organizers want to inspire more less-fortunate but potential students to continue to pursue their dreams despite financial difficulties and challenges. The city government through its scholarship program headed by Councilor Donaldo Hontiveros is willing to help them.
Aljibe said the awarding ceremony serves as a symbol of inspiration for all students, not only in Cebu City but the entire country, to strive harder.
“Sa pamagitan nitong awarding ceremony is just but a fitting symbol for all students of this country to strive and render the best...for afterall, para sa kanilang kinabukasan ito. Napakahalaga na bibigyan ko ng pagpupugay ang ating mga scholars dahil ang ating mga scholars ay siyang walang kasingduda na siyang magbibigay, magpapahalaga sa edukasyon…tama ang kasabihan na education is still the biggest equalizer,” Aljibe said.
Aljibe told the scholars that it is but right to also give credit to the city government for coming up with such a commendable program.
“Ang scholarship po ng Cebu City government ay nararapat lang na bigyan ng halaga at gatitude at pagpapasalamat sa papamagitan ng pagpupunyagi..pagmamahal ...sa pamamagitan ng pag-aaral ng mabuti at disiplina,” said Aljibe. — FPL (FREEMAN)