CEBU, Philippines - “Ayaw sa mo pag-uyab-uyab.” (Avoid going into relationships yet.)
This was the advice of Governor Gwendolyn Garcia to 189 high school valedictorians from all over Cebu who were made to witness the consultants and department heads meeting with the governor last Monday.
After the three-hour meeting, Garcia made the students took an oath not to enter into any romantic relationship, saying that this might jeopardize their studies in College and eventually their scholarship from the Capitol.
“Ako nisaad nga kung naa ko’y uyab, ako g’yud dayong buwagan,” the governor said, which drew laughter from the students.
Garcia also encouraged the students to always pray to God and to continue instilling discipline and hard work in themselves which molded them into being valedictorians.
The activity at the Capitol was part of the three-day Leadership Training and Workshop of the Valedictorians mainly held at Ecotech Center in Sudlon, Lahug, Cebu City since Saturday.
The Public Employment Service Office (PESO) of the Cebu Provincial Government hosted the activity.
“They will have a feel of how the government works,” said PESO Manager Dr. Mathea Baguia.
Aside from the Cebu Tertiary Education and Assistance Program (CTEAP) of the Cebu Provincial Government, the 189 valedictorians will automatically become scholars of the province if they will enroll in two state universities in Cebu, the Cebu Normal University and Cebu Technological University.
The Province of Cebu will pay for their tuition and miscellaneous fees. The provincial government will also provide a monthly allowance of P2,000 for the scholars.
The valedictorians will also automatically avail of the special program for the employment of students during summer in partnership of the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE).
The Provincial Government is also preparing a workshop/training for the salutatorians this coming April 22 and 23 at the Ecotech Center. – (FREEMAN)