Mayor Ondo offers scholarship to underprivileged students

Students concentrate on taking their examination in the hope of earning a college scholarship from the city government. (Photo taken by Joey Vincent Motel)

THE City Mayor’s Office (CMO) will receive applications for the local government’s college scholarship program until Apr. 17 while examinations will be held until the 24^th. The CMO as of press time (Apr. 8) has received 700 applicants.

The scholarship was originally offered to students who are in the Top 10 of their class but Mayor Ondo Codilla opened the program to all high school graduates. Aside from free tuition fees, the chosen scholars will benefit from monthly stipends on books, uniform, food, lodging and transportation.

Jinky Roque and Angelica Prawn, neighbors in Sumangga, 3.6 kms. south of the city proper are among the students who are pinning their hopes on the scholarship for their future. Being children of farm caretakers, they consider college education a long shot.

Housewife Jacqueline Panilag, 35 of Concepcion, 9.5 kms. north of downtown is one of the parents who accompanied their children to the exam. She is hopeful her eldest daughter Rachel will avail of the opportunity. “Bisa’g pinaka-last na lang, basta makapasar lang,” she said. By Joey C. Motel