Solon adds P1-M fund for Samar scholars

By NINFA BARCENA-QUIRANTE, (PIA Samar)
June 24, 2006

CATBALOGAN, Samar – Samar Representative Catalino "Cata" Figueroa added another one million pesos fund for his CHED-Congressional Scholars in the second district of Samar.

Figueroa bared this information during the turn-over rites at the DepEd Samar Division from Superintendent Teotimo Orbeso to Superintendent Niña Villalon.

In the ceremonies attended by both representatives of Samar Figueroa along with Congressman Reynaldo Uy, the latter advised the would be scholars to grab the opportunity and make good in their studies, because, he said, it is only education that will free them from poverty.

Earlier, Figueroa funded some 121 scholars and just in March some 13 beneficiaries have graduated.

Aside from the 121 scholars, another 55 slots were offered. The first 15 qualifiers had their budget good for 4-year courses while the remaining 40 slots were good for one school year.

Just this June, a total of 200 scholars will enjoy their funding from the 1M peso allocation from the congressman.

As a CHED-Congressional scholar, each student is given P1 thousand for tuition fee and another P 1,500.00 for his allowance. The scholar gets P5,000.00 a year.

The applicant should maintain an average grade of 85 to qualify; the extension office of the Congressman said.

Aside from the financial assistance, the solon also promised 'his scholars' that he would assist them in job placement after graduation.

The extension office of the congressman also distributes personal computers to schools, Cata bared.

As of this writing, one congressional staff told PIA that some 100 slots have not been taken yet. He just advises them to check on the Extension office of the congressman in Mercedes, Catbalogan.

The student does not necessarily have to be enrolled only in Samar, he can pursue his studies anywhere in the Philippines, but the applicant must be a resident of the second district of Samar.