Zubiri barracks to house SWU maritime scholars

CEBU – A new regimental barracks will house 300 Maritime scholars of the Southwestern University who are under the “Study Now, Pay Later” program.

SWU, together with the Seacrest Maritime Foundation Inc., conducted a groundbreaking rite for the building named after the program’s sponsor, Senator Juan Miguel Zubiri who was present during yesterday’s presentation and parade review of freshmen and sophomore maritime students.

Andrew Aznar, SWU chairman, said that they have always been thankful to Zubiri since the senator has always supported the school’s maritime course.

According to Aznar, they spend around P2 million a month just for the food that they offer to the scholars. “We always believe in quality education in SWU and I am thankful that we have benefactors that help us out,” Aznar said.

Zubiri launched the P135-million study-now-pay-later program, for the first 300 scholars of the maritime course, in May of last year.

During his speech, Zubiri said that he has always believed in SMPI’s and SWU’s programs. “I have strong belief in their programs that’s why I have not only supported them morally, but also financially,” Zubiri added.

SWU adopted the program in their maritime course to help less fortunate but deserving youths all over the country interested to take up maritime education/nautical sciences.

These scholars have passed the Maritime Regiment Admission Test and medical examination needed to qualify for the program. The “Migs Zubiri regimental barracks”, soon to be operational, will be equipped with state-of the-art facilities.

All scholars undergoing the newly implemented quasi-military regimental system are managed throughout the academic year for three years before they sail onboard foreign ships on their fourth year. — AJ de la Torre/MEEV (THE FREEMAN)