ALABEL, Sarangani (January 18, 2021) – The Provincial Local Government Unit of Sarangani through its Paaral Para Sa Sarangan (PPSS) scholarship program has welcomed 241 new scholars.

On January 12 during an orientation and oath-taking ceremony spearheaded by Glenda Revaño, PPSS scholarship program coordinator, she said that aside from helping the less fortunate students, “to produce excellent and globally competitive scholars” are among the program’s visions.

The new scholars were selected after passing the qualification requirements including an evaluation, academic ranking, and an interview.

These scholars belong to the marginalized and depressed families in Sarangani who have the eagerness to pursue their studies and excel in their selected fields.

For the school year 2021-2022, about 800 entrants underwent the series of qualification processes.

Revaño told the scholars “you are so lucky to have been selected from among the 800 applicants who tried their fate to be part of this program.”

She added, “kailangan niyong pagbutihin ang inyong pag-aaral because you are one of the few who are privileged to enjoy the scholarship.”

A cash assistance worth P2,000 is given monthly to each of the scholars for one semester. Revaño emphasized,”para mapagpatuloy nila itong scholarship, they have to maintain an average grade of 80% every semester.”

“All-in-all,” Revaño said, “each of our scholars will be receiving P20,000 for one school year,” which she pointed out as “malaking bagay na" in "assisting the students in their school fees."

PPSS is a flagship program under Governor Steve Chiongbian Solon’s Sulong Karunungan which is committed to provide better education opportunities to the Sarangan youth.

The activity was attended by Vice Governor Elmer De Peralta, Board Members Russel Jamora, Joseph Calanao, Irish Louie Arnado-Beñola, Corazon Grafilo and Jess Bascuña who each gave their messages by encouraging the scholars.

In his message, De Peralta said, “always dream big and never be afraid of turning it into reality.”

“As you make every step of the way, never forget to always put God at the center of it,” he added.

He also stressed that the legislative body will always include education among the province's top priorities.

Board Member Bascuña, who also chairs the committee on education, said “sa inyo namin nakikita ang future ng ating lalawigan.”

“Maliit man ang pondo na ito sa panahon natin ngayon, alam kong sa tulong ninyo, malaki ang maidudulot nitong mga pagbabago,” Bascuña added.

Through the collaboration of Governor Solon, Vice Governor De Peralta, Deputy Speaker Congressman Rogelio Pacquiao with the full support of all the Sangguniang Panlalawigan members, the PPSS scholarship program will continue its gains considering the impact it brings to the lives of the Sarangans and the entire province.

As of the writing, PPSS has produced some medical doctors who are currently working in two of the province-run hospitals in Sarangani; a school principal and several teachers. (Joshua John S. Pantonial/SARANGANI PROVINCIAL INFORMATION OFFICE)