The Commission on Higher Education (CHED) Tulong Dunong Program, in collaboration with the office of Senator Loren Legarda, distributed one-time stipend scholarships to students of the Southern Philippines Agri-Business and Marine and Aquatic School of Technology (SPAMAST) on June 6, 2024. The distribution event took place at 9:00 AM at the SPAMAST Auditorium, Malita, Davao Occidental.
A total of 132 SPAMAST students each received a stipend of PHP 7,500.00 through the CHED-TDP scholarship facilitated by Senator Legarda’s office. The distribution process included an orientation for scholars, signing of notices, and the actual disbursement of funds, all coordinated by Mr. Ronie Liwantang, the Scholarship Coordinator of SPAMAST.
The event began with a welcome address delivered by Dr. Aldwin T. Miranda, Director for Student Services. Dr. Miranda expressed gratitude for the initiatives of CHED and Senator Legarda in providing financial assistance to deserving students.
Following the welcome address, Mrs. Sheryl Mae P. Carbajosa, College Registrar III, acknowledged the participants. SPAMAST President Dr. Lynette A. Bontia then delivered a heartfelt message, sharing her own experiences as a scholar from an underprivileged family. She urged the grantees to seize this opportunity to uplift their families and highlighted the importance of dedication and perseverance.
Senator Loren Legarda also addressed the grantees through a video message, underscoring the significance of higher education and the government’s efforts to alleviate poverty by ensuring that financial constraints do not hinder students from completing their degrees.
The orientation about the grant was conducted by Mr. Ronie Liwantang. The event concluded with the distribution of stipends to all the grantees, overseen by SPAMAST’s Cashier Office, headed by Mrs. Estelita Calderon.
This scholarship program represents a vital step in empowering students, providing them with the necessary resources to succeed academically and ultimately contribute to breaking the cycle of poverty in their communities.
