Malita, Davao Occidental, May 4, 2024 – Today, the SPAMAST Auditorium in Malita, Davao Occidental, buzzed with excitement and gratitude as Congressman Claude P. Bautista’s office, in collaboration with the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) and the Southern Philippines Agri-Business and Marine and Aquatic School of Technology (SPAMAST), distributed grants to deserving students across the province.
With the aid of the Student Monetary Assistance for Recovery and Transition (SMART) Program, beneficiaries from various municipalities including Sta. Maria, Malita, Don Marcelino, Jose Abad Santos, and Sarangani Island received a one-time cash assistance of 25,000 pesos each. This initiative, spearheaded by Congressman Bautista’s office, aims to alleviate financial burdens and empower students to pursue their educational aspirations.
Additionally, students enrolled at SPAMAST and recipients of the institution’s Tulong-Dunong Program were also recipients of financial aid, each receiving 7,500 pesos. This comprehensive approach underscores the commitment to making quality education accessible to all, especially those in need.
The event was graced by notable figures including Congressman Claude P. Bautista’s son and Sta. Maria Municipal Mayor, Hon. Claude Benjamin II “Dinko” Bautista, alongside esteemed CHED officials from both Central and Regional offices CHEDRO XI, headed by Director Maricar R. Casquejo. SPAMAST’s leadership, led by President Dr. Lynette A. Bontia, also lent their presence, emphasizing the collaborative effort driving educational empowerment in the region.
Dr. Bontia extended a warm welcome to the beneficiaries and their parents, setting the tone for an inspiring and memorable occasion. In a heartfelt message delivered on behalf of Congressman Claude Bautista, Mayor Dinko Bautista highlighted the unwavering commitment to supporting youth and students in their educational pursuits, expressing gratitude to CHED and SPAMAST for their invaluable partnership.
The Executive Director VI of CHED UniFAST, Central office, Atty. Ryan L. Estevez, engaged the audience with an interactive session, encouraging the recipients to cherish the opportunities presented to them. Video messages from President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and CHED Chairperson J. Prospero E. De Vera III underscored the national commitment to educational development and applauded the efforts of local initiatives in fostering academic excellence.
In closing, Dr. Marlyn B. Llameg, SPAMAST’s Vice-president for Academic Affairs, reflected on her personal journey as a scholarship recipient, emphasizing the transformative impact of educational support. The distribution of cash assistance, accompanied by food packs courtesy of Congressman Bautista’s office and SPAMAST, marked the culmination of a day filled with hope, gratitude, and continuous commitment to educational empowerment in Davao Occidental.
𝗣𝘂𝗯𝗹𝗶𝗰 𝗥𝗲𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗜𝗻𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗺𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗢𝗳𝗳𝗶𝗰𝗲
