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.

CHED Funds Scholarship for the Poor

CHED Director Alvarez inspired the SGP-PA scholars.

      September 10, 2012. This is the day when Davao del Norte State College selflessly accepted the challenge of providing home and  assurance of providing knowledge to the scholarship grantees under Student Grant in Aid Program for Poverty Alleviation  (SGP-PA) program as per CMO No. 38, s. 2012.

       The said program is instituted by CHED through the Disbursement Acceleration Program (DAP) in partnership with the 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.

        As cited in the CHED Memo Order # 22, series 2012, a student beneficiary shall be entitled to a maximum of P60,000.00 grant per academic year or P30,000.00 per semester for four to five academic years commencing academic year 2012-2013.

           The grant is intended to cover the following: tuition fee, purchase of books, board and lodging, transportation, clothing, admission/entrance fees, health and other valid related educational expenses and support services to complete the beneficiaries' degree which are the priority programs of the CHED.

            DSWD is responsible of identifying the beneficiaries of the program who are at the same time availed the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) of the government.