7 students in Naga lose scholarships

CEBU, Philippines - At least seven students who belonged to the first batch of scholars under the scholarship program of Naga City, have been disqualified for failing to maintain good marks as provided in the scholarship guidelines.

Naga City Mayor Valdemar Chiong said as government scholars, they must maintain a grade of at least 2.5.

During a formal briefing at Enan Chiong Activity Center (ECAC), Chiong told the new batch of 100 scholars, who are incoming first year college students, to do well in their studies so as not to put the city’s efforts in vain.

The students comprise the second batch of scholars following the launching of the city government scholarship program in 2012.

“For as long you study hard, you can easily get good grades higher than what is required in our scholarship program. Focus on your study ug dili sa mag uyab-uyab,” Chiong said yesterday. 

The scholars belonging to the second batch have already passed the Department of Education (DepEd)-assisted qualifying exam. The scholarship program will accept 100 students per year.

Chiong reiterated his administration’s commitment to continue the scholarship program until these young recipients, most of whom belong to indigent families, earn college degrees.

The launching of the scholarship grant is considered a breakthrough in the education program of the city government, which forged a memorandum of agreement (MOA) with nine selected colleges and universities in Cebu, including the City of Naga-based Professional Academy of the Philippines (PAP).

The city is allotting P4 million a year to finance the scholarship program at P20,000 per semester or P40,000 per school year for each scholar.  (FREEMAN)