Scholarship law's IRR being finalized

BAYBAY CITY, Philippines — The implementing rules and regulations of the Iskolar ng Bayan Act is now being worked on by the executive department, according to Pasig City Representative Roman Romulo, the author of the law in Congress.

Romulo, who was with his wife Shalani for the EVRAA 2015 event in this city in Leyte, said this bill, which was signed into law by President Benigno Aquino III last November 27, mandates for an automatic college scholarship to the Top 10 of the graduating class in all public high schools, to any state universities and colleges of their choice.

The congressman said the law, which will be implemented by June this year, is expected to benefit around 80,000 bright high school graduates from around the country, and stem the rising number of high school graduates who failed to go to college. In a press conference at the Visayas State University in Baybay City, Romulo said he has been soliciting suggestions from the public on what to put into the IRR that he has been helping to draft.

He cited the suggestion of Doctor Manuel Palomar of VSU to consider putting on “waitlist” the 11th placer and lower graduate for a possible scholarship slot. “I will bring it up,” he said, when asked what will happen if some of those on the Top 10 will not avail themselves of the privilege. —Lalaine M. Jimenea (FREEMAN)