155 Pantawid scholars to study at CNU

Parents of 155 Pantawid Pamilya SGP-PA scholars all over the Central Visayas signed an agreement with the Cebu Normal University (CNU) for the college education of their children.

The parents and CNU president Dr. Marcelo Lopez signed the agreement witnessed by CHEd assistant regional director Dr. Candelario Dooy, and DSWD in Central Visayas Division Chief Grace Subong.

“Cebu Normal University (CNU) cannot refuse to accept the SGP-PA scholars because we are not just simply a government institution but rather we are partners in nation building and this is a national program for nation building,” said Dr. Lopez in his message during the signing ceremony.

The Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program welcomes the partnership of the Commission on Higher Education (CHEd) and state universities and colleges (SUCs) in giving the children of Pantawid Pamilya beneficiaries the opportunity to finish a degree course, such as the Bachelor of Science in Tourism and Bachelor of Science in Special Education and Early Education.

The SGP-PA or Students Grant-Aid Program for Poverty Alleviation is a pilot program initiated by the Commission on Higher Education (CHEd), state universities and colleges (SUCs) and the Department of Social Welfare and Development for its Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) beneficiaries.

The scholars are required to get a full load per semester, finish the course within the required period and maintain a satisfactory academic performance in accordance with the policies and standards of CNU.

The scholars are also required to render a return of service for two years after graduation in the Philippines except for highly critical courses demanded by local industry and government services.

To ensure that parents comply with the contract, financial literacy was taken up during the day and strengthening family relationship was discussed by the National Chaplaincy of the Philippines, DSWD’s civil-society organization partner.

The responsibilities of CNU was also taken up and these include receiving the financial benefits from CHEd for disbursement to the beneficiaries.

Other responsibilities also include providing accommodation such as dormitories or accredited boarding houses, organize values formation and career guidance programs for the beneficiaries and their parents and provide services of the guidance counselors as needed.

The program’s financial support amounts to P60,000 per year covering tuition fee for two semesters, textbook and other learning materials and P3,500 monthly stipend for ten months.