Doctors looking for 20 ‘good seeds’ to nurture

Pediatricians have banded together to raise P6 million within four years to send 20 scholars from all over the country to college.

During the project launch Wednesday at the group’s Quezon City headquarters, the Philippine Pediatric Society (PPS) Inc. said that the basic principle of the program was: “We reap what we sow.”

PPS Diamond Jubilee chair Dr. Rosemarie Jean Poblete pointed to similarities between the project and farming where one first has to search for a good seed, plant it in good soil, fertilize and protect the plant as it grows and finally, wait for it to bear good fruit.

The search for “good seeds” kicked off in November through an essay contest for all high school students nationwide with the theme: “Creating Sound Minds and Bodies: Health and Education Working Together.”

Through the competition, the PPS found its grand national winner and first scholar in Jamaica Butacan, a third year student and council president of Magalalag National High School in Cagayan Valley.

Butacan’s essay proposed a simple but very basic concept of promoting health and hygiene in her own school by constructing more toilets and keeping these well-maintained.

Poblete said that applicants should be members of the graduating class of 2013, of good moral character; must display a leadership potential for service and a commitment to finishing a four-year health-related college course with a grade point average of at least 85%.

The PPS will shoulder their tuition and provide them with an allowance for school supplies, books as well as travel expenses.

“The PPS needs P6 million in four years to support these scholars nationwide,” Poblete said, adding that while they were looking to their members for donations, help from the public would also be welcome.

A total family health expo and a family fun run are scheduled in September and October where the public will be given a chance to help out in the “Piso Para sa Scholar” program.