The Iloilo Provincial Government’s Iskolar sang Iloilo Program (ISIP) Batch 24 and 25 have produced 68 graduates achieving Latin honours, exemplifying the program’s success in nurturing outstanding students.
Among the 117 total graduates, 2 graduated summa cum laude, 29 were magna cum laude, and 37 were cum laude.
The graduates were honoured during the Recognition Rites on August 7, 2024, at the Grand Xing Imperial Hotel.
Cash incentives were given to recognize their academic excellence. Those who graduated summa cum laude received P5,000 while the magna cum laude and cum laude received P5,000 and P3,000, respectively. The regular graduating students received P1,000 cash.
In his welcome message, Provincial Administrator Raul Banias urged the graduates to use their knowledge, skills, and talents to serve their fellow Ilonggos and make a positive difference in the world.
“You have been given a rare opportunity to receive quality education through the Iloilo scholarship program. And I hope you will pay it forward by helping others who are in need. Remember, that you are not only graduates but are also ambassadors of the ISIP and the province. You carry with you the values and the spirit of ISIP,” Banias said.
Meanwhile, Gov. Arthur Defensor Jr. expressed pride in ISIP playing a part in the educational journey of the Ilonggos.
He appealed to the scholars to take advantage of the programs being offered by the province in shaping their future, stressing that having a college degree offers an advantage especially when one is already applying for a job.
The governor also reminded the graduates to give back to the government and their parents, to honour themselves, and also to do their share as “iskolars ng bayan.”
“Ang amon lang pangayuon nga baylo is indi ninyo pagkalimtan ang gobyerno, ang inyo ginikanan, kag mas importante sa tanan ang inyo kaugalingon. Panginpuslan ninyo sang husto ang inyo gin eskwelahan. More than the congratulations, thank you for doing your part,” Defensor said.
The ISIP is a full college scholarship established to provide support to underprivileged but deserving Senior High School graduates who do not have the financial capacity to go to college. The beneficiaries must be enrolled in any state colleges or universities in Iloilo.
It started in 1996 under the administration of former Gov. Arthur Defensor, Sr. through Provincial Ordinance 96-20. It was sustained by Gov. Arthur Defensor Jr. and was amended in 2023 through Provincial Ordinance 2023-298.
Each ISIP beneficiary receives a P3,500 monthly stipend; P3,000 learning resource assistance per semester; and a P5,000 thesis/research allowance for graduating students.
ISIP aligns with the strategic goal of the Iloilo provincial government under the Movement for a Robust, Progressive, Globally-Competitive, and Resilient Province of Iloilo (MoRProGRes ILOILO) which is to provide quality education to the Ilonggos.
As of 2024, the ISIP program has already produced a total of 1,290 professionals thriving in their chosen fields. (Capitol News)
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