43 EHRDP, YAFP scholarship grants awarded in Region 1

STA. BARBARA, Pangasinan - A total of 43 scholarship grants under the auspices of the Expanded Human Resource Development Program and the Youth in Agriculture and Fisheries Program was awarded to lucky beneficiaries in the Ilocos Region in separate ceremonies held last August and September.

With its aim of accelerating social progress and for the promotion of human development, as envisaged in the Agriculture and Fisheries Modernization Act or AFMA, the twin scholarship program offer opportunities to Department of Agriculture personnel, LGU extension workers and to members of marginalized farming or fisher folk families to pursue graduate studies and bachelors' degree courses, respectively.

In simple ceremonies held at the Mariano Marcos State University grounds in Batac, Ilocos Norte last August 31, ATI Director III Alberto Maningding and ATI-RTC 1 Center Director Rogelio Evangelista spearheaded the awarding of scholarships. An initial tranche of benefits for nine scholars from Ilocos Norte and Ilocos Sur were handed out at the close of the ceremony.

In another awarding rite, scholars from Pangasinan were given recognition with a formal program presented by the Pangasinan State University in its main campus in Lingayen, Pangasinan last September 1. ATI-RTC 1 Center Director Evangelista, PSU President Victoriano Estira and select personnel from ATI-RTC 1 and PSU-Lingayen were in attendance for the conferment of scholarship grants to the beneficiaries and their proud parents or guardians who trooped to the affair. PSU has the bulk of the number of scholars region-wide with 16 enrolled in its affiliate campuses in its YAFP alone. A third  ceremony was held September 24 for scholars studying at the three DMMSU, La Union campuses.

Under the EHRDP and YAFP, a sizeable scholarship remuneration awaits the scholars with those availing masters degrees in the EHRDP getting full tuition, book allowance, miscellaneous fees and monthly stipend of P8,000. A thesis support worth P50,000 also awaits those just needing thesis for completion of their masteral degrees. Meanwhile those in the YAFP availing bachelors degree or specialized courses receive full tuition, book and miscellaneous allowance and monthly stipend. Funding for YAFP scholarships is taken from the 4-H Club Development Program of DA-ATI.

With their lofty objectives, the EHRDP  and the YAFP are expected to help underprivileged farming and fisher folk families with better opportunities which the scholarship presents. The program, which is national in scope, will avail of the services of state colleges and universities as preferred educational institutions for the scholars. Preferred courses are in agriculture, fisheries, forestry and public administration.

The roster of scholars lists Bernie Barracas, Daryl Tabar, Jonnalyn Tomamang, Simplicio Ringor Jr., Greyps Layne Barracas, Arnulfo Taberna Jr., Geraldine Padilla, Marjie Garcia, Charmigne Marie Nicolas, Alyssa Caryl Vallo, Eugene Kurt Lim, Armielyn Guting, Khristina Leodeth Valdenarro, Victor Juan Estrada and Rosendo Villa, all enrolled at different PSU campuses.

Aiza Catherine Rico, Duane Mark Rarangon, Karen Joy Cagaoan, Jhon Bryan Bumanglag, Richard Reambillo, Raecielle Joyce Calaoagan, Lucky Faith Mangrubang, Sheila May Cudiamat and Jonathan Saclayan, who are enrolled at MMSU-Batac.

Lezly Co, Rogelyn Abaoag, Marie Claire Cablas, Joy Batnag and Zandra Rose Ann Dalay-on at DMMMSU-La Union.

Maria Lea Labador and Romalyn Layog, who are studying at Mountain Province State Polytechnic College.

Those who availed of the EHRDP includes this writer, Editha Jaramilla, Christopher Aguirre, Jordan Gabur, Orlan Binala, Ferdinand Casil Jr. and Rodel Llarenas. While Luz Tabora, Maricel Dacapias, Ma. Theresa Bacnat and Analiza Rosario availed of the thesis assistance.  (Jovito M. Laca, Media Production Specialist II)