Metro 3rd youths qualify for scholarship in China

THIRTEEN young students from the Third District of Negros Occidental have been recently named participants of the Metro 3rd International Study Program and are slated to leave for Beijing this August for a five-year scholarship grant in the three top universities of the People’s Republic of China.

With the support and assistance of former Congressman Alfredo Benitez and now Third District Representative Francisco Benitez and the Department of Education, the students underwent rigorous screening and evaluation to earn full scholarship and admission to Beijing Institute of Technology, Beijing Foreign Studies University and Beijing Technology and Business University.

The second batch of scholars to China are : from Victorias – Jasper John Dojeno (Brgy 6-A, Negros Occ. National Science High School), Elaine Imperial (Brgy. 8, Victorias National High School), Welmar Arangues (Brgy. 10, VNHS), Joerhim Feliz Silvestre (Brgy. 1, VNHS).

From EB Magalona – Dave Mark Andrew Diaz (Brgy. 3, EBM National High School), Kristine Faith Tanghal (Brgy. Alicante, NONSHS), Ralph Baybado (Brgy. Mantaangan, EBMNHS). From Silay – Erica Atilano (Brgy. Rizal, Doña Montserrat Lopez Memorial High School), Ramela Ledesma (Brgy. 5, DMLMHS).

From Talisay – Ruth Jane Realubit (Brgy. Zone 3, Inocencio V. Ferrer Memorial School of Fisheries), Karen Quinquero (Brgy. Zone 6, IVFMSF), Lea Mae Morales (Brgy. Zone 3, IVFMSF). From Murcia – Baryeth Cruz (Brgy. Alegria, Alegria National High School).

Last year (2018) seven (7) students from the Third District qualified. They underwent a oneyear preparatory proficiency course in the Chinese language and have recently been back to the province for a short vacation before going back to China to proceed to their major college studies.

The Chinese government set up the scholarship program sponsoring international students to promote mutual understanding, cooperation and exchanges in various fields between China and other countries. During his last term in 2017, Cong. Albee closely coordinated with the Chinese Ambassador to the Philippines Zhao Jianhua for the Third District to be included in the Bilateral Program.

Cong. Kiko, the younger Benitez who replaced his brother as Third District Representative and who was former President of the Philippine Women’s University, committed to continue the program that will benefit more deserving students of the District. Both Benitez who come from a family of educators, have always championed educational development programs and advocacies./pr