Fifty new grantees of the Provincial Educational Assistance Program for Indigenous Peoples (IPs) and members of Indigenous Cultural Communities (ICCs) participated in an orientation and contract signing ceremony on October 12, 2024, at the Grand Social Hall, Casa Real de Iloilo, Iloilo City.
Acting Provincial Social Welfare and Development Officer (PSWDO) Rani Melvi A. Cuarte welcomed the grantees and their parents, congratulating them for being selected from 273 applicants.
He also emphasized the broader significance of their educational success.
“IP grantees’ success in education does not only reflect a promise in the improvement of life of their families but it can also be considered as a victory of their communities,” said Cuarte.
Representatives from the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP) Regional Office VI and the Department of Education (DepEd) Division of Iloilo, who are part of the technical working group, were present to offer their support.
NCIP RO VI’s Vima G. Latoza expressed gratitude to the Iloilo Provincial Government for its continuous efforts in supporting IP education.
She also urged the scholars to maintain their cultural identity and traditions.
Meanwhile, IP Focal Person Marice Andrea S. Bedonia outlined the responsibilities of the grantees and the benefits provided by the Provincial Government.
The Provincial Educational Assistance Program accepts 50 new IP grantees annually to help them complete tertiary education and uplift their communities through academic success.
📷PSWDO Province Of Iloilo
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