716 students take Naga’s college scholarship exams

By Zyra D. Ponce

Some 716 student applicants took the two-day face-to face competitive examinations for the Naga’s Tertiary Scholarship Program (NTSP) spearheaded by the city government’s Education, Scholarship and Sports Office (ESSO) together with the Naga City Scholar’s Guild (NCSG) at the Naga City Science High School on May 8-9.

The examinations comprised four schedules, which include the morning and afternoon sessions to avoid congestion, in accordance to the health protocols imposed by the local government unit.

In an interview with Maverick De La Cruz Igura, ESSO scholarship program coordinator, he said that the applicants for the NTSP examination have undergone the processes of applying the necessary requirements and meeting the qualifications for eligibility.

Among these qualifications for eligibility include: 1. a Filipino citizen and resident of Naga City; 2. with good moral character and without derogatory record; 3. not more than 25 years old at the time of filing of application; 4. a high school graduate with 75 percentile rank or above in the National Secondary Achievement Test (NSAT) or at least 80 percent average with no failing grade in any subject or has not yet completed a tertiary course, except for vocational course;

5. With weighted average of at least 2.5 or 80 percent in a semester in college, if attended only; 6. has passed the entrance examination, if required, of the school where he or she intends to enrol on; 7. with parents/guardians having a gross annual income of not more than P180,000; and 8. not presently enjoying any scholarship or study grant.

The written examination was divided into three primary academic subjects, which include general Math, Sciences and English. It also includes general knowledge about the geographical location of prominent places in Naga, barangays, government officials as well as the city offices. In addition, the third part of the exam comprises an essay type where examinees are meant to give their opinions about the most controversial social topics in local and national scenes.

Meanwhile, Igura added that some examinees rescheduled their exams due to some religious activities and some are under house lockdown because of they are close contacts of Covid-19 patients. He also added that the results of the NTSP examinations will be released after one month.

The NTSP provides scholarships to deserving but less-privileged high school graduates who want to pursue a college education.