BY: LEANDRIA P. PAGUNSAN
DUMAGUETE CITY, May 8 (PIA) --- Five of the last batch of scholars under the government's agrarian reform program graduated from two state universities in Negros island recently.
The scholars, who graduated from the different campuses of Negros Oriental State University (NORSU) and Central Philippine State University in Kabankalan City, Negros Occidental, are beneficiaries of the Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) Programang Agraryo Iskolar (PAI).
The students are, namely: Carmen Barbadillo (BS Hospitality Management-NORSU, Bais City); Jaialyn Mae Bohol (BS Office Systems Management-NORSU, Mabinay); Lister Cabonillas (BS Education-Central Philippine State University, Kabankalan City); John Paul Esparcia (BS Agriculture-NORSU Bayawan/Sta. Catalina); and Eddie Estoconing (BS Industrial Technology-NORSU, Guihulngan).
A total of 53 scholars graduated in Negros Oriental since the program was launched in 2003.
PAI, formerly known as the "President Diosdado Macapagal Agrarian Scholarship Program (PDMASP), is an innovative program designed for qualified dependents of the beneficiaries of the agrarian reform program.
PAI gives the scholars an opportunity to study and complete an agricultural-related four year college degree course from State Universities and Colleges (SUCs).
They get financial support from DAR under a competitive screening system.
The scholarship grant consists of tuition fees, monthly stipend, and book allowance. (rmn/LPP/PIANegOr/GMR/DAR)