Poro launches college scholarship program

Poro’s Pride (Program to Reward Intelligence, Diligence, and Excellence) of Poro scholarship program is sending 37 poor but deserving students to college this school year.

Pride of Poro is the first and only scholarship grant in Camotes Islands that addresses the long-standing poverty problem in the island.

Records showed that only 160 students out of 800 graduating from Poro’s national high schools proceed to college. The rest join the ranks of the unemployed and become a potential burden to society.

To improve this rate and begin to keep pace with other parts of the country and the rest of the globalized world, Poro established the scholarship fund.

Poro Mayor Luciano Rama Jr. id the prime mover of the program. Education promises to give the highest return on investment by increasing the income potential of the islands’ best and brightest, and upgrading the islands’ workforce in skill and knowledge.

The program offers free tuition, books, uniform, food and housing to students.

Of the 37 scholars, 21 are funded by Sen. Allan Peter Cayetano and 16 others by LGU Poro’s resources.

Cebu City Mayor Michael Rama said he expected more funds for the next school opening as he got pledges from Senators Jinggoy Estrada and Edgardo Angara and may of positive responses from other senators.