UP invites more students from poor, isolated areas

| PHOTO: Official Facebook page of the University of the Philippines Tacloban

TACLOBAN CITY — The University of the Philippines (UP), considered one of the premier educational institutions in the country, is calling for more students from geographically isolated and disadvantaged areas (GIDA) across the archipelago to study in the university.

UP President Angelo Jimenez, who was in the city to attend the 51st founding anniversary of UP Tacloban on May 23, said they were offering about 300 slots for these students.

“We are focusing on trying to bring in more students from GIDA areas. We are bringing in 300 for the year, of which 11 are from Region 8 (Eastern Visayas),” he said.

Students availing themselves of the program will receive P160,000 in annual financial support, consisting of food, dormitory, transportation, and book allowances.

Jimenez said helping a student coming from a GIDA area finish his or her college education would mean one family being assisted that could lead to a better life for them.

He said the program is part of UP’s goal to be a partner in the economic development of Eastern Visayas, home to more than four million people but is one of the country’s less developed regions.

“We are here to reiterate the national leadership of the UP system for the further expansion and development of Region 8. We intend to be an empowering presence in the region, particularly in the GIDA areas,” he said.

But while they would be aggressive in inviting students from these poor and isolated areas, Jimenez stressed the quality of education would not be compromised.

“(While) we want to make UP (education) accessible to the marginalized sector, we cannot lower our standards just to accommodate those coming from disadvantaged areas,” the UP president said.

Patricia Arinto, dean of UP Tacloban, said they were also going around the region, including those in remote areas, to encourage them to study in UP.

“For our part, we are going around the region that are not yet represented among our students and the majority of our students are from Tacloban City and very few from Samar provinces and even from Biliran and Southern Leyte provinces,” she said.

Arinto said they were offering bigger stipends or allowances to address financial difficulties of students.

At present, UP Tacloban has more than 1,400 students enrolled in at least 10 programs.

Arinto said UP Tacloban would be transferring to their new school site in Barangay Sta. Elena, 17 kms north from the city proper, in 2027.

The university has allocated more than P600 million for its new campus.

At present, UP Tacloban is located within the city proper since it first opened on May 23, 1973 with only 145 students.