SINAG 2016: To Recognize Over 500 SGPPA Graduates of the Region

SGPPA Graduates of SPAMAST

More than 500 first batch of beneficiaries of Students Grant-in-Aid Program for Poverty Alleviation (SGP-PA) in Davao Region graduated this year from various state colleges and universities. Out of 503 total students, 168 graduated in Davao del Norte, 209 in Davao Oriental, 25 in Davao del Sur, 68 in Davao Occidental and 33 in Davao City, said DSWD Assistant Director for Operation Rebecca Santamaria in an interview of Sunstar Davao. Among these graduates, 14 are with academic awards and 43 have special awards like Special Awardee, Dean's Lister, With Honors and other special awards.

In order to showcase the achievements of student grantees for successfully completing their college education and in recognition of the support of the key partners, the first ever SINAG or Social Investiture for National Achievers of Grants In Aid will take place on May 6, 2016 at Davao del Norte State College, Panabo City, one of the implementing SUCs of the region.

Rhea Sadon, Cum Laude of USEP-Mintal

The SGP-PA started in 2012 and is being implemented by the  Commission on Higher Education (CHED), Department of Budget and Management (DBM) State Univeristies and Colleges (SUCs), Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) and Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), as a long term instrument and commitment to break the vicious poverty cycle afflicting the poor but deserving Filipino Youth and their families.

The SGPPA program aims to contribute to the National Government's thrusts in addressing poverty alleviation by increasing the number of graduates in higher education among poor households and to facilitate the employment in high-value added occupations and promote livelihood opportunities in order to lift their families out of poverty, thus contributing to the national development.

Salamat SGPPA sa Pagkakataon!

Jerrynold Escote, SGPPA Grantee and a graduate of Bachelor of Science in Information Technology was once awarded by CHED as an outstanding grantee way back in 2013. Below is his speech upon receiving the award. This could also be his speech on his day of graduation:

First of all I would like to greet you a pleasant morning/afternoon/evening. Please allow me to introduce myself. I am Jerrynold V. Escote, one of the SGP-PA grantees from Davao del Norte State College, Panabo City at kasalukuyang nasa 2^nd year na sa kursong BSIT. I am the fifth child of the 14 siblings of Mr. Nelson and Sabina Escote.

            Bago po dumating ang Enero 12, 2013, ang araw kung saan nagbago ang aking buhay, isa lamang po ako sa mga kabataan na nangangarap at umaasa na mabigyan ng pag-asa at pagkakataon na makapagtapos ng pag-aaral sa kolehiyo. Natatandaan ko pa kung paano naghirap si Ate upang tustusan ang unang taon ko sa kolehiyo sa isang pribadong pamantasan. Gaya ng inaasahan, hindi niya nakayanan ang aking pangangailan kaya ako’y napatigil at naghanap ng mapagkakikitaan upang sariling pangarap ay aking matustusan. Pinasok ko ang isang trabaho na sumusweldo sa akin ng di sapat para makaipon upang ipanggastos sa pag-aaral. Sinubok kong maghanap ng mga scholarships, kumuha ng mga pagsusulit; subalit hindi yata kampi sa akin ang tadhana.

            Ayon kay Albert Einstein, “There are only two ways to live your life. One is as though nothing is a miracle and the other one is as though everything is a miracle”. Ang naintindihan ko dito ay may mga bagay sa ating buhay na hindi natin inaasahan na mangyayari. Tulad ko po, hindi ko po inaasahan na pagdating ng Enero 12, 2013, darating sa akin ang scholarship na aking hinahangad. Hindi ko na po hinanap ngunit kusa kong natagpuan. Nasabi ko tuloy sa aking sarili na isa na nga ako sa mga mapapalad na kabataan na mapagbigyan ng ating gobyerno ng pagkakataon na makapagtapos ng pag-aaral sa kolehiyo, mabago ang buhay, makatikim ng ginhawa, makatulong sa pamilya at maging mabuting mamamayan ng bayan.

            Uulitin ko po, ang pagkakataong ito na ibinigay ng pamahalaang Aquino para sa aming mga kabataan ay hindi mapapantayan ng kahit anuman. Ito ang nagsisilbing natitirang pag-asa na balang-araw ang aming pangarap ay maisasakatuparan. At may mga pamilyang nakangiti dahil sa magaan na pamumuhay.

            Dahil dito, ang SGP-PA ay isang inspirasyon para sa akin upang pagbutihan pa lalo ang aking pag-aaral at gawin ang lahat upang maging isang karapatdapat na iskolar. Noong April 13, 2014, pinangaralan ako at ng lima ko pang kapwa SGP-PA ng aming Kolehiyo dahil sa nagkamit kami ng matataas na marka. At ngayon nandito ako sa inyong harapan dahil sa SGP-PA. Dinala niya ako dito upang ipahatid sa inyong lahat na unti-unti ko nang natitikman ang katuparan ng aking mga pangarap. Salamat sa SGP-PA. Salamat sa CHED. Salamat Pangulong Aquino. Binigyan ninyo ako ng pagkakataon na makasakay ng eroplano, makatulog sa malambot na kama at makakain ng masasarap na pagkain at higit sa lahat ang makita ang Maynila sa araw at sa gabi.

            Kaya para po sa mga SGP-PA grantees na katulad ko, huwag na huwag po natin sayangin ang pambihirang pagkakataon na ito. ‘ika nga nila hindi lahat ng tao ay nabibigyan ng maraming opurtunidad sa buhay. Kaya lagi nating tatandaan ang sinabing ito ni Lao Tzu, “Be contented to what you have, rejoice in the way things are. When you realize there is nothing lacking, the whole world belongs to you”. Kaya, tayo ay dapat magsumikap sa ating pag-aaral upang maka-ahon tayo sa kahirapan. Always remember God has plan for us, like what He said in Jeremiah 29:11, “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord “plans to prosper you not to harm you; plans to give you hope and a future.”

            Para sa lahat ng mga nangangarap, bata man o matanda always remember, when one door closes, another opens; but we often look so long and so regretfully upon the closed-door that we do not see the one which has opened for us”. Albert Einstein also once said and I quote, “Who has never made mistake has never tried anything new.” So, in times of hardships and difficulties, don’t give up and have faith in God.

            Ngayon, ako po at ang iba ko pang mga kasamahan na SGP-PA grantees ng Davao del Norte State College at ng buong Region XI ay taos pusong nagpapasalamat, unang-una sa ating Panginoon na nagbigay sa atin ng buhay at sa mga biyayang ipinagkaloob niya sa atin. Lubos din po ang aming pasasalamat sa mga mabubuting tao na kanyang ginawang instrumento upang mabago ang gaming mga buhay. Unang – una  sa ating mahal na pangulo, kagalang – galang na Pangulong Benigno Aquino III, sa ating mahal na Vice President Jejomar Binay, sa mga kinatawan ng DSWD na pinangungunahan ni Sec. Dinky Soliman, sa mga kinatawan ng CHED na pinangunahan ni Commissioner Patricia B. Licuanan at ang napakahusay, napakamaasikaso at bibong-bibo na CHED Director ng Region XI na si Dr. Raul C. Alvarez at sa kanyang mga kasamahan. Taos puso din po ang aking pasasalamat kay Prof. Josiedel Santamaria sa kanyang sakripisyo’t pagmamahal at sa pagiging nanay sa aming lahat.

              Inuulit ko po, maraming-maraming  salamat po sa inyo, sa pag – asang ibinigay ninyo sa mga kabataang nangangarap, sa mga magulang na nagsusumikap at sa bayang hindi nawawalan ng pag-asa na darating ang araw makikilala at magiging isa sa mga matagumpay na bansa.

            At para po sa CHED, in behalf of SGP-PA Grantees from Davao del Norte State College, maraming-maraming salamat po sa parangal na iginawad ninyo sa amin sa araw na ito. Inaalay ko po ang parangal na ito sa lahat ng mga SGP-PA grantees at sana ito’y maging palatandaan sa patuloy nating pagsusumikap upang maabot ang ating mga pangarap. Sana ito’y maging inspirasyon sa ating lahat upang mapatotohanan na ang kahirapan ay kailanma’y hindi hadlang sa pagkamit natin ng tagumpay.

             Thank you and God bless us all.

Here are some graduation pictures posted on Facebook by some of proud SGPPA graduates.

Danica Sangilan

Classmates, Batchmates, Roommates!!!

Groufies with the SGPPA mother mentor, Prof. Josiedel Santamaria.

Rodel Lampios

Jean Calunsag and Leomar Malang: Graduated together..

Ruby Rose Napoles

The SGPPA Graduates Batch 2016

The graduates with their proud family.

Credits to the owner of the photos.

The Deans List

      The College Registrar endorsed to the Academic Council the 47 students whose GPA is no  less than 1.75 and with no grade below 2.o.
            Topping the list is  BSED Biological Sciences student, Venes E. Calunsag, with the GPA of 1.417. On the second rank is Elmer S. Moriel, BSED Math, with the GPA of 1.454. On the third spot is another BSED Bio.SCi student, Glecy March B. Cabasa with the GPA of 1.5. She is followed by Kristine Jane Aguirre, a BPA student with a GPA of 1.511. Following her on the 5th Rank is Niel John Dan A. Fedillaga, BSIT student with a GPA of 1.522. Kia P. Ceniza, the reigning Miss DNSC 2015 landed on the 7 spot with the GPA of 1.538. After her are two BSED Math students, Almalyn Lison, Rank 8 and Justin Jumar B. Aceron, Rank 9. Tessa Mae S. Tano, a BSED Bio Sci student completed the  top ten with her GPA  of 1.592.

The following are the students listed on Ranks 11 to 33

Rank 11 Dawn D. Aguadera and Kaye W. Savillaga, Both BSED Eng 

Rank 12 Melane M. Gelsano, BSED Math

Rank 13 Love Mibeth Jessica L. Fa-ocbit, BSED Math

Rank 14 John Rey C. Tumulin, BSED Bio Sci

Rank 15 Alecs Kristine B. Calawag, BSED Math, Jane Rose C. Lamsin, BSEd Eng and Joella Mae C. Lamsin, BSED Math

Rank 16 Nina Jane Famor, BSED Bio Sci and Deserie Gore, BS Mar. Fish

Rank 17 Reymark O. Temporada, BSED Math; Jessa R. ALbit, BSED Math; and Rinson S. Adalim, BSEd TLE

Rank 18 Joli Mae R. Sato, BSED Bio Sci

Rank 19 Rowell D. Bain, BSED English

Rank  20 Junel R. Mesgrande, BS Mar. Fisheries

Rank 21 Floramie D. Gasulas, BSED Math; and Jade L. Idausus, BSED TLE

Rank 22 Adrian P. Besilla, BSED Eng; and Analou Jade D. Monleon, BSED Bio Sci

Rank 23 Lady Joyce G. Baguio and Jomarie C. Enico, Both BSED Eng

Rank 24 Leizyl B. Luchaves, BSEd Math; and Thea A. Lambayan, BSEd Eng

Rank 25 Glendel Mark P. Rabe, BSEd Math

Rank 26 Harlequeen T. Castanares, BSEd English

Rank 27 Allana R. Jadraque, BSEd English

Rank 28 Rechell B. Alfornon, BSED Bio Sci

Rank 29 Ebenezer P. Bico, BSED Bio Scie; and Cesar Ian R. Rojas, BSEd Math

Rank 30 Angelika Maye G. Maniscan, BSED English

Rank 31 Ronick P. Madrigal, BS Marine Fisheries

Rank 32 Kate A. Buenaluz, BSED ENglish

Rank 33 Lezel C. Ramos and Jay-Ann C. Tangaro, Both BSED Eng

DSWD sends more aid for armed conflict evacuess

To securely address the needs of displaced families brought about by the ongoing armed conflict in Mindanao, the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) continues to send additional food and non-food relief supplies in the affected areas.

The DSWD provided P24.76 million worth of assistance in the 13 towns of Maguindanao; in Pikit and Matalam, North Cotabato; and in Bitaugan, Surigao del Sur where a clash between the military and members of the New People’s Army (NPA) occurred on February 27.

The DSWD has also now included Brgy. Estado, Matalam, North Cotabato and Monkayo, Compostela Valley as among the areas it continues to assist after armed conflicts ensued there on March 20 and March 24, respectively.

The DSWD released the relief supplies either through the DSWD-Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) or through concerned local government units (LGUs), as well as through the Coordinating Committee on the Cessation of Hostilities (CCCH)-Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process (OPAPP).

A total of 27,178 families or 132,870 persons have been affected by the incident.

Of this number, 20,078 families or 100,390 persons are inside 78 evacuation centers. The evacuation centers in Pikit have already closed, but 1,629 families or 8,145 persons who opted to stay with their relatives continue to receive relief assistance.

The Social Welfare and Development (SWAD) Teams in the affected towns remain in close coordination with the LGUs for further assessment of the needs of the evacuees. While at the evacuation centers, evacuees are given psycho-social counseling and children-evacuees undergo play therapy sessions to lessen their trauma.

Meanwhile, the Department is continuously providing aid to the families of the 44 Philippine National Police-Special Action Force (PNP-SAF) commandos who were slain in the Mamasapano, Maguindanao clash on January 25.

To date, a total of P1,226,440 worth of food packs, burial assistance, educational assistance, and medical assistance have been provided to the families through the Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situations (AICS).

Concerned DSWD-Field Offices are currently expediting the assessment and processing of the livelihood and employment assistance to the qualified family members of the Fallen 44. DSWD offers them livelihood support suited to their skills.

The DSWD also received the initial batch of nine proposals for livelihood assistance submitted by the families of the SAF 44 in the Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR); the Department is set to submit these to the Presidential Management Staff of the Office of the President.
DSWD also provided P205,000 worth of burial and medical assistance to the civilians affected during the Mamasapano clash.

On the other hand, DSWD continues to receive donations as an aid to the families of the slain PNP-SAF commandos (Arena Forum).

Ang Buhay ay Isang Pagsubok

Dear Diary,

     Para sa akin, ang pinakamahirap na pagsubok na pinagdaanan ko ay hindi pagsubok sa English, Math o Physics kung hindi ang pagsubok na hanggang ngayon ay hindi ko pa alam ang kasagutan. Ito ay pagsubok sa aking buhay. Nagsimula akong tanungin nang kapalaran noong nagtagumpay akong matapos ang aking pag-aaral sa sekondarya. Magpapatuloy pa ba ako sa kolehiyo sa kabila ng katotohanang alam ko na hindi kayang suportahan nila mama at papa ang aking matrikula. Sa aking pagmuni-muni, naisip ko ang sa tingin kong tama na kasagutan. Iyon ay ang intindihin sila at huminto nga sa pag-aaral. Sa di inaasahang pagkakataon, lumiwanag ang aking paligid na para bang nahahawi ang mga makakapal na ulap at unti-unting sumisilip ang liwanang ng araw. Nararamdaman ko ang kanyang init nang dumampi ito sa malasutla kong balat habang hawak hawak ko ang isang lapis na noon pala'y gumuguhit na ng isang pangarap. 

        Nangangarap akong makatungtung sa isang kolehiyo na suot suot ang aking uniporme habang ang aking mga kamay ay kumakanlong sa mga libro sa English, Math at Physics. Napangiti ako ng tawagin ako ng tsinito kong teacher sa English. Oo. Tinawag niya ako sa wikang English upang ipakilala ko sa mga bago kong kaklase ang aking natatanging pangalan at estorya ng aking pinagmulan. Nang tumayo na ako, doon ko lang nararamdaman na nangiginig na pala ang mga tuhod ko at naninigas na ang buo kong katawan at walang ni isang letra na gustong lumabas sa aking mga labi. Haayyy! Nakatingin sila lahat sa akin. Naghihintay. Ang kaninang gwapong tsinito na guro ngayo'y naging halimaw na para bang isang kurap ko nalang ay susunggaban na ako.

       Di nagtagal. Nagpalakpakan silang lahat. Naglulundagan sa tuwa. ...Sa kanilang mga ngiti, unti-unti kong namumukhaan ang mala-dyosang mukha ni mama. Tuwang-tuwa siyang ibinalita sa akin ang kasagutan ng tanong na noon ko pa sinasagot. Ngayon, natitiyak ko na. Ito na talaga ang tamang sagot. Maipagpapatuloy ko na ang pag-aaral ko sa kolehiyo dahil sa "Student Grant In Aid for Poverty Alleviation Program" na ipinatutupad ng Aquino Administration. 

         Sa aking mga unang araw sa kolehiyo, naranasan ko ang mas mahirap na pagsubok sa buhay. Napakahirap palang mawalay sa piling ng iyong pamilya. Npakahirap palang kumain sa pagkaing di mo nasanayang kainin. Napakahirap din na sa pagtulog mo estranghero ang mga katabi mo. Muntik ko nang huwag ituloy ang pagsusulit na iyon. Subalit, sa tulong ng mga kasamahan kong grantee, naitawid ko ang unang semestre. Akalo ko yun na ang pinakamahirap. Mali pala ako. Mayroon pa palang mas malubha. At iyon ay kung papaano ko hahatiin ang oras ko sa pag-aaral. Akala ko mas masaya ang kolehiyo sa high school. Medyo oo pero parang hindi. Kailangan kong magsunog ng kilay gabi-gabi para maipasa ko ang English, Math at Physics. Akalo ko kung mag-aaral ako gabi-gabi, magiging madali lang ang mga lessons, hindi pala. Mas mahirap pa nga. Minsan naisip ko tuloy bakit ako naghihirap ng ganito? Bakit di na lang ako umuwi sa amin at magbuhay prinsesa doon? Hindi. Itutuloy ko ito. Ito ang pangarap ko. 

          Ngayon, ilang tulog na lang tatawagin na akong junior sa kursong kinukuha ko, Bachelor of Science in Information Technology. Ang kursong ito ang magdadala sa akin sa tuktok ng aking pangarap na makapagmay-ari ng isang computer company. Napakatayog na aking pangarap pero naniniwala ako na ito ay posible at magaganap sa panahong si Ama lang nagtatakda. 

         Bago po ako magpapaalam, salamat po SGPPA Diaries dahil binigyan mo ng panahon na basahin itong buntong-hininga ng aking karanasan.

Nagmamahal,

QUE LOVE IA NE

1st SGPPA Students Congress: A Break to Breath

   

        The two-day SGPPA Congress was meant to be a long vacation for the SGPPA Grantees from the bulk and pressure of their academic requirements and a moment of pausing from thoughts of teachers and lessons. The Congress cum SGP-PA Consultation and Meeting was held at Eden Nature Park and Resort in  Toril, Davao City last July 30 -August 1, 2014 with the theme: “Madasigong Kabataan alang sa Madaugon nga Kaugmaon”. The event was highly participated by the SGP-PA grantees in different State Universities and Colleges (SUC’s) together with the partner agencies: Commission in Higher Education (CHED), Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) and the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4P’s). The congress aimed to identify issues, gaps and concerns among beneficiaries, formulate policies and guidelines for better implementation of the program and lastly, the draft a strategic plan concerning the issues.

         Dr. Raul C. Alvarez Jr., Regional Director of CHED XI, opened the program and generously gave his words of wisdom to the grantees. In the afternoon sessions, SGP-PA grantees showed their prowess and abilities in brainstorming suggestions, opinions and recommendations for SGPPA issues discussed in the group forum. After the intense educational debate, breath taking performances during the “Solidarity Night” among SUC’s grantees put the venue down.

            The next day, the tour around Eden Nature Park and Resort made the grantees held their breath. All participants were amazed with the beauty of nature and considered the experience as one of a kind. “I am so happy that I was chosen to represent DNSC. Experience such as this is worth remembering and made me realize how special is SGPPA to CHED.”, said of one of the DNSC participants of the congress.

The program was closed by awarding and giving of certificates to the participants. 
(Danica Sangilan, 2^nd Yr SGP-PA).

DNSC SGPPA Grantees: Proud CHED Awardees

Prof. Josiedel Santamaria, Reggie Bitas and Jerrynold Escote with CHED Commissioner Patricia B. Licuanan

Out from seven Student Grant  In-Aid Program for Poverty Alleviation (SGPPA) awardees all over the country, two were from Davao del Norte State College.  They were Jerrynold V. Escote and Regie S. Bitas, both 2^nd Year BS Information Technology students. Escote and Bitas put the College once again into the glare of public interest as they took pride in receiving the awards given by the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) during the highlight of its 20^th Anniversary Celebration with the theme, “Access, Capacity, Excellence: Higher Education for National Development and Global Competitiveness”  last May 19-23, 2014 at CHED Auditorium, UP Diliman, Quezon City. Escote and Bitas and other awardees received medals, certificates of recognition and CHED Pins as fitting tribute for their being student achievers under the SGPPA Program.

     Aside from Escote and Bitas, other grantees who also received the same honors were: Laila D. Campaner, a Bachelor in Special Education student of West Visayas State University (WVSU) Main Campus, Dean’s Lister for 2 semesters; Jonalyn B. Lucena, a Bachelor of Science in Agriculture student of WVSU-Calinog Campus, Dean’s Lister for 2 semesters; Johnny A. Lutrago, a BS Agriculture student of WVSU-College of Agriculture and Forestry, Dean’s Lister for 2 semesters; Glen Michelle Y. Mera, a Bachelor of Secondary Education student of Camarines Norte State College , Dean’s Lister for 2 semesters and the last but not the least, Gay Mayrell P. Abrogena, a fresh graduate of Bachelor of Elementary Education of Mariano Marcos State University  who garnered a grade point average of 1.5 during her last semester in the university. “These awardees provide mirrors to their fellow grantees for them to see that there are a lot of good things life can offer. I am very much proud of Regie Bitas and Jerrynold Escote for bringing the college into the national scene. I am a proud mama now…feel na feel jud nako. Everything worth it.” ended Prof. Josiedel Santamaria, Scholarship Chair, with smile when during an interview upon arrival.

     During the awarding ceremony, Escote was applauded after he told the auditorium his story on how the program touches his life during his 3- minute testimonial speech. He even glimpsed on his reactions when he heard the news that he was one of the grantees. “ Sa araw na iyon, labis ang aking kagalakan, lalong-lalo na ang king mga magulang. Nasabo ko tuloy sa aking sarili na isa akong mapalad na mabigyan ng pagkakataong makapagtapaos, mabago ang buhay, makatikim ng ginhawa, makatulong sa pamilya at maging mabuting mamamayan”, said Escote. Jerrynold Escote is the 5^th child of the 14 children of Mr. Nelson and Ms. Sabina Escote. 

The awardees pose with CHED personalities, Dr. Isabel Inlayo and
Mr. Christopher Fulido

     Prior to the CHED’s awarding, Escote and Bitas were also recognized as Dean’s Listers during the 39^thRecognition Rites of DNSC together with other grantees who excelled in academics. Other SGPPA dean’s listers were Nova Fe Libtuan (BSFi) , Marklin Delos Santos (BSFi), Christy Marie Edaño (BSFi), and Rhea May Acaso (BSIT). Aside from fulfilling its mission of catering the deserving clientele particularly the underprivileged and underserved, DNSC provides more than 400 SGPPA grantees a home and family.

     The Student Grant In Aid Program or SGPPA is one of the STuFAPs Programs of  CHED jointly implemented with the Philippines Association of State Universities and Colleges (PASUC), Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), Department of Budget and Management (DBM), and Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE). The program aims to contribute to the National Government Thrusts in effectively addressing poverty alleviation by increasing the number of graduates in higher education among poor households particularly from the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) members and to get these graduates employed in high-value added occupations in order to lift their families out of poverty and contribute to national development.

DNSC- SPAMAST SGP-PA Beneficiaries Assembly

“Mga anak igalang ninyo ang inyong mga magulang sapagkat hahaba ang inyong buhay. How can you do it? Work hard. Graduate. And be successful. Give your best and God will do the rest.” These are the inspiring words of Dr. Isabel Inlayo, the CHED-OSS Chairperson during the DNSC and SPAMAST SGP-PA Beneficiaries Assembly held last July 12, 2013 at the DNSC-Audio Visual Room which was participated by CHEDRO XI and DSWD Personnel, all the grantees from DNSC and selected ten grantees from Southern Philippines Agri-Business, Marine and Aquatic School of Technology (SPAMAST).

The Scholars

The program was part of the two-day Awarding/Turnover Ceremony for the Scholarship Grant Program for Typhoon Pablo Victims, and SGP-PA Beneficiaries initiated by the Commission on Higher Education (CHED), State Universities and Colleges (SUCs) and DSWD that provides the children of Pantawid Pamilya beneficiaries the opportunity to enroll in college to break the intergenerational cycle of poverty through education and health. Dr. Jonathan A. Bayogan, DNSC’s President formally opened the said event after sharing to the audience the processes undergone by the College in the selection of the 4Ps scholars as a part of its vision of catering the underprivileged and the underserved clienteles. He also expressed his gratitude to the “magical generosity” of Director Inlayo towards the people in Davao Region.

CHED Director IV Dr. Raul C. Alvarez said of the 634 SGP-PA Grantees from four schools in Region XI, 204 come from DNSC and 113 of which come from SPAMAST. Among these students from SPAMAST, Mr. Arjun Dalucan was chosen to give his testimony as an SGP-PA scholar. Arjun grew up working as a tricycle driver, but now he is proud to admit that he saw a huge change in his life when he enlisted in the program. From the streets, farms, and markets they can now be found in computer laboratories and libraries doing researches. “All the challenges we’ve been through made us better, appreciate the value of education and most of all it leaves us no idle time for self-pity or homesickness. I have learned that it is never too late. I can still dream,” he stated. He further challenged his fellow SGP-PA beneficiaries as he said, “Patuloy tayong mangarap dahil ang mga pangarap natin ay abot-kamay na!”.

For a moment, the crowd was filled with compassion and some even shed tears when Mrs. Sabina V. Escote, a parent representative from DNSC shared her testimony. Throughout the short talk she had given, her tears reflect her feeling of gratitude to her son, to the DNSC administration, and to all the people behind the implementation of the Student Grant-in-Aid Program for Poverty Alleviation (SGP-PA). 

The Parents of the Scholars

As the keynote speaker of the said event, Dr. Isabel Inlayo gave her inspiring message to the students, to the parents, and to the officials of the different government agencies involved in the realization of the program. She also gave the assurance that the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) will help the students to graduate and land in a good job after graduation. “This program contributes to the national governments’ thrust in effectively addressing poverty alleviation by increasing number of graduates in higher education among poor households and to get these graduates employed in high-value added occupations in order to lift their families out of poverty and contribute to national development” said Dr. Inlayo.

The SGP-PA program’s financial support amounts to P60,000 per year covering tuition fee for two semesters, textbooks and other learning materials and the P3,500 monthly stipend for ten months. This was shared by Mrs. Arceli M. Layog, the Regional Program Coordinator for Pantawid Pamilya as she formally concluded the program with her challenge of the 3Cs: “You have the CHANCE. The CHOICE is yours. Make the CHANGE in you.”

This article was written by Danibelle Macapili.

Welcome SGP-PA Scholars!

This is the quoted speech delivered by Dr. Florencia D. Sitchon, Vice President of Academic Affairs, welcoming the 4Ps scholars to their new home, the Davao del Norte State College during the Orientation Program last November 13, 2012 at the Audio-Visual Room.

Dr. Sitchon welcomes the 4Ps beneficiaries

Here is Dr. Sitchon's speech.

Our convergence in this hall today communicates our support and commitment to the president’s social contract with the Filipino people that is to make education the central strategy for investing in our people, reducing poverty and building national competitiveness. We have come from distant places leaving our daily chores just to express our desire of oneness and unity despite diversity as a people.

The Philippine National Development Plan emphasizes that all Filipinos have access to education that is geared towards the realization of their potentials as individuals, as members of a family, community, society and global village. It is anchored on the belief that education promotes well-being, develops the intelligence and potentials of all Filipinos in all aspects in the service of God and society.

In the performance of our strategic roles, especially as higher education institutions, to alleviate poverty and raise the economic conditions of our people, we unite and join our efforts together to do our share in making this country a better place to live. The challenge before us seems gigantic and urgent but if done in the spirit of love, peace and unity, God will surely bless our efforts.

Today, we commence this noble undertaking with great hopes that despite adversities and uncertainties we still can make a significant difference in the life of others. As we set our directions together, we shall look forward towards the attainment of our goals. Davao del Norte State College as a public institution of higher learning is happy and proud to serve our scholars, the best we can, as our share in the upliftment of our people’s quality of life. This is our vision and our mission as stewards and as servant leaders.

Through instruction, research and extension, we reach out to others and respond to the need for special social services towards improving productivity and sustainability. We shall take bold steps because we know we are not alone in this journey. DSWD is there. CHED is there, other institutions and individuals who commit themselves to this heroic endeavor are there and above all, GOD is always there. Our theme song shall be “Hawak Kamay, at Walang Iwanan”. Ang laban na ito para sa kahirapan ay laban nating lahat.

On behalf of our college president, Dr. Jonathan A. Bayogan, I warmly welcome everyone to our college. Although he is miles away from us, he never misses to communicate and give us instruction to welcome you all and make DNSC a home away from your respective homes. Again, welcome and feel at home with us.

Forty Seven 4Ps Beneficiaries Make DNSC a Home

          

The First Batch

       Out of 300 hundred applicants for Student Grant-in Aid Program for Poverty Alleviation (SGP-PA), DSWD announced that only 192 were given a rare chance to pursue free higher education and eventually become graduates that will contribute productively to national development. 53 of 192 were enrolled in University of Southeastern Philippines –Mintal Campus (USEP Mintal) first semester, SY 2012-2013, 46 for both Southern Philippines Agri-business Marine and Aquatic School of Technology (SPAMAST) in Digos City and Davao Oriental State College of Science and Technology (DOSCST) in Mati City and 47 scholars make Davao del Norte State College (DNSC) a new home. Of 47, 23 are from Compostela Valley Province and 24 from Davao del Norte Province.

       The forty seven SGP-PA scholars currently enrolled in DNSC are taking Bachelor of Science in Fisheries and Bachelor of Information Technology courses as identified by the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) as priority courses.

       These SGP-PA scholars will enjoy a maximum of Sixty Thousand Pesos (Php 60, 000.00) grant per school year which cover the costs for tuition and other school fees, purchase of textbooks, board and lodging, clothing, health and other valid related educational expenses and support services to sustain and enable them to complete their degree programs.

Other Faces of the First Batch

        Recently just this morning, November 13, 2012, an orientation for SGP-PA was held at DNSC Audio-Visual Room with Director Raul C. Alvarez Jr., Acting Director, CHEDRO XI and Mr. Daniel Tutor, Grievance Officer Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4P’s) as guest visitors.

        Dr. Florencia Sitchon, OIC President, welcome the scholars with words of encouragement. " Lets take bold steps because we know we are not alone in this journey. DSWD is there. CHED is there, other institutions and individuals who also commit themselves to this heroic endeavor are there and above all, God is always there. Our theme song shall be "Hawak Kamay, at walang iwanan". Ang laban na ito para sa kahirapan ay laban nating lahat", said Sitchon.