13 students get Smart scholarship

Thirteen college students have qualified for a one-year scholarship under the Smart Wireless Engineering Education Program (SWEEP).

The scholarship for the school year 2011-2012 was offered to full-time graduating students enrolled in engineering or IT courses in SWEEP member state colleges and universities. Benefits include payment of assessed school fees, a book allowance per semester and a monthly stipend.

The scholars from the National Capital Region are Shelene E. Gomez and Jorge Gonzales of the Polytechnic University of the Philippines, Regine Anne D. Sarne of Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila, and Ronnie Concepcion of the Technological University of the Philippines (TUP)- Manila.

Those from Luzon are Bon Marlo Rañada of Bataan State Peninsula University, Ma. Teresa Crisostomo of Batangas State University, Arianne Roussel Regio, John Edson Dumalay and Jaaziel Sam Carlos of Bulacan State University, and Rey Victor Pabro of Mariano Marcos State University.

John Joseph Mallorca of TUP is the lone representative from the Visayas. Eric Justin Pineda of Mindanao State University-General Santos and Shiela Cantor of the University of Southeastern Philippines round up the group.

Launched in 2003, SWEEP is an industry-academe partnership that seeks to improve the level of technology and engineering education in the country, particularly in the field of electronics and communications engineering.

Orlando Vea, Smart chief wireless advisor, led officials in congratulating the scholars in a simple ceremony held at Jump at SM Megamall.

Jump, the new digital playground, was built by PLDT and Smart to showcase their latest products and technologies.

“We are happy and proud to support you as you acquire the knowledge and the tools that will allow you to meaningfully participate as creators, enablers and consumers in this new digital age,” Vea told the scholars.