Capitol scholars get delayed allowance
The delayed stipend for the Paglaum scholars of the Cebu provincial government was finally released yesterday.
The P7,500 allowance was supposed to be distributed to each 300 scholars during the first semester of the academic year.
But Cebu Vice Governor Agnes Magpale said it did not push through because some schools failed to submit the pertinent documentary requirements, prompting the delay.
"Everything should be transparent. We cannot take a shortcut," she said in her speech during the financial distribution for the second batch of Paglaum scholars.
Magpale said the first batch of scholars already received their stipend through their ATM cards early this month.
She said the provincial government is still processing the ATM applications of the second batch for easier and convenient transactions.
The same will be done for the third batch of scholars.
Gender and Development Officer Hedda Largo said there are 700 scholars at present.
The scholars are tertiary students who cannot afford to go to college but have shown dedication to finish studies despite life's atrocities.
The scholars went through a screening process to ensure they deserve and are not recipients of another tertiary education grants.
Danilyn Tillor, 19, from Daanbantayan, said she is grateful for the Capitol program. She is the third child from a family with five children.
With her father long gone and her mother jobless, she continues to pursue a bachelor's degree in industrial engineering in the hopes to lift her family from poverty. She is currently in her third year at CTU-Daanbantayan.
Early this year, the province allotted a budget for only 300 scholars, but it was later increased to 600. The other 100 scholars are being subsidized by Kabayan Partylist Representative Harry Roque, totaling to 700 scholars.
"We believe that education is one of the best ways to get out of poverty. Keep your good names. It will be an asset later," Magpale said in her message to the scholars, emphasizing the value of integrity.
The Paglaum scholars are enrolled in different colleges and universities across the province, including the Cebu Technological University, Cebu Normal University, University of Cebu, University of San Jose-Recoletos, Consolacion Community College, Mandaue City College, and Consolatrix City College.