‘Greatest gift’ from governor: More scholars

BULUAN, Maguindanao—Maguindanao Gov. Esmael Mangudadatu on Friday announced what he said was one of his “greatest gifts” for the future of the province—more scholarship slots for children of poor families.

Speaking to reporters at the sidelines of the Sagayan Festival here, Mangudadatu said the scholarship program he started with 900 beneficiaries when he was vice mayor of this town would benefit more students this year.

Based on data from the governor’s office, there are now a total of 4,400 students availing themselves of the Mangudadatu-initiated program called Mag-Peace. Each scholar receives P3,000 in monthly stipend.

Mangudadatu said that starting this year, the program would cater to all interested and deserving students regardless of their background.

“We are even reaching out to the children of those in the rebel organizations, including the Moro Islamic Liberation Front and the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters,” he said.

Mangudadatu said that to keep the program going, he had changed some of its rules.

Those availing themselves of the scholarship will have to pay back when they find jobs after graduating so that funds will still be available for future scholars, he said.

“I want this to become a long-running program because educating our youth will become our passport to progress,” he said.

In 2008, the province’s literacy rate, according to the National Statistical Coordination Board (NSCB), is just 66.7 percent.

In more detailed data, the NSCB said only an average of 2.2 percent of students in the province finish high school.

The number one reason for this, government data said, is poverty, even if Maguindanao is among the country’s resource-rich areas.