8 schools tie up with Province for Paglaum scholarship program

• Source: http://www.sunstar.com.ph/cebu/local-news/2016/09/15/8-schools-tie-province-paglaum-scholarship-program-497747
• Saturday, September 17, 2016

By Camille L. Pateres (USJ-R Journalism Intern)

THE Provincial Government of Cebu partnered with eight colleges and universities for the “Paglaum” scholarship program intended for differently-abled and marginalized students in the province.

The partner-schools signed a memorandum of agreement (MOA) with the Capitol yesterday to seal their partnership. These schools and universities are Cebu Technological University (CTU), University of Cebu, University of the Visayas, Cebu Normal University, Mandaue City College, North Eastern Cebu Province, Lapu-Lapu City College, and Cordova Community College.

Among those who graced the MOA signing was former Provincial Board member Grecilda Sanchez-Zaballero, one of those who pushed for the scholarship program.

She said she decided to attend the activity to make sure that the program will be implemented.

Gov. Hilario Davide III said that education has always been a priority of the Province.

The governor thanked the partner-schools for supporting the Province’s education program.

Better life

“This agreement will strengthen our sword in fighting against illegal drugs and would strengthen our commitment to provide our children to achieve their dreams and to live a better life,” he said.

Jenny Murillo, 32, shared the story of her life as an example of paglaum (hope).

Murillo, who now works as a video blogger of a United States-based company, said that she came from a dysfunctional family.

At the age of five, her father was murdered, and when she reached high school her stepfather allegedly attempted to rape her.

Murillo said that she is happy that the Province came up with the Paglaum scholarship program as a lot of people will benefit from the program, especially those who were abandoned.