DepEd search offers full college scholarship

MANILA, Philippines - The Department of Education (DepEd) has opened the search for poor but deserving public high school students who will receive full college scholarship, including miscellaneous fees and monthly allowances.

The agency recently announced the opening of nominations for the 9th Kabayan Ten Outstanding Public School Students (TOPS) awards, which is held in partnership with the Kabayan Noli De Castro Foundation Inc., SM Foundation Inc., and the Rotary Club.

“Kabayan TOPS recognizes the outstanding achievements of the Filipino youth and their unwavering spirit which serve as inspiration to others,” DepEd undersecretary for regional operations Rizalino Rivera said.

The awards program aims to recognize underprivileged but deserving students who have shown exemplary performance in academics and leadership despite experiencing challenging circumstances in life, added DepEd.

A total of 40 finalists across the country will be selected from nominees that the department will receive.

Four winners will be selected each for the two categories -— the Kabayan Academic Excellence Award and the Kabayan Exemplary Leadership Award.

The academic excellence award will be given to students who have shown exemplary performance in academics and have brought honor and prestige to the school through various academic-related competitions and contests recognizing his/her academic excellence.

Meanwhile, the leadership award will be given to students who have shown active involvement in school organizations and have delivered services that benefit fellow students and the community.

Two students will also get the Kabayan Special Achievement Award, which will be given to those who managed to display scholastic and leadership excellence despite experiencing challenging circumstances.

DepEd said the awardees must show “values of hard work, determination, honesty, integrity, and dedication to public service.”

Nominees must not be more than 25 years old, a graduating public high school student, a Filipino citizen with at least one year residency in the district or area being represented, of good moral character, and have parents whose combined annual income is less than P150,000.