Sorsogon university students thank PBBM for scholarships

By Keren Anne Bernadas

LEGAZPI CITY, Albay --- College students from Capuy, West District, Sorsogon City, expressed their gratitude to President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. for the assistance they received through the Bagong Pilipinas Scholarship Program.

During the awarding ceremony on September 15, the scholars said the support has encouraged them to persevere in their studies and work toward achieving their dreams.

The Bagong Pilipinas Scholarship is supported through the Socio-Civic Projects Fund (SCPF) of the Office of the President. It is a government assistance initiative that provides P20,000 to each presidential scholar.

Qualified students in Sorsogon receive additional support to pursue their education and work toward building better opportunities for themselves and their families.

Coming from a family of eight siblings, Arwin Anzano, a mechanical engineering student at Sorsogon State University (SSU), said he is on the path to becoming the first in his family to earn a college degree.

“Balancing my academic needs alongside my family’s daily expenses has not been easy, but this financial assistance greatly eases our burden, allowing me to focus on my studies and my dream of becoming an engineer,” Anzano said.

He added that the presidential scholarship is a “life-changing opportunity.”

“This support does not only fuel my education; it gives hope to my entire family. I promise to work hard, honor this gift, and make this investment in my future truly worthwhile,” he said.

Meanwhile, Kim Allen Sarminto, a mechanical technology student at SSU and the son of a solo parent who works as a food vendor, said the assistance has allowed him to continue his studies with less financial worry.

“Because of this assistance, I am able to continue my studies with less financial worry and focus more on my school. I would like to sincerely thank President Marcos and all the people behind this assistance for believing students like me to achieve their dreams,” he said.

For Rodolfo Luares Jr., a senior automotive technology student at SSU, the scholarship has provided much-needed support for his educational expenses.

“This support is a great help to me and my family. I will use it for my school expenses, such as projects, school supplies, transportation, and other educational needs.

“Because of this assistance, I am more motivated to work harder in my studies and pursue my dreams. Thank you, PBBM, for your kindness, support and generosity,” he said.

The students said the scholarship has helped ease the financial challenges associated with pursuing higher education, allowing them to focus on their studies and stay motivated to complete their degrees. They also expressed appreciation for the government’s continued efforts to make education more accessible and provide opportunities for students from communities across the country.

Among the scholars is Angela Faye Dometita, an elementary education student at SSU who also works as a student teacher at Capuy Integrated National School.

As the eldest of six siblings, with her father as the sole provider, Dometita said the presidential scholarship will lessen their financial burden and allow her to continue pursuing her dream of becoming a professional teacher.

“Thank you so much to PBBM, and to our barangay officials. This assistance is a great relief. I will always be forever grateful,” she said.

Similarly, Charmaine Valladolid, an electronics technology student at SSU, said the assistance will enable her to complete her on-the-job training, particularly by helping her purchase the tools and electronic components needed for her major subjects.

Coming from an extended family and with a father who works as a laborer earning minimum wage, Valladolid thanked the President and said she would make the scholarship meaningful by using it to support her education.

Ramon Licup, barangay chairperson of Capuy, congratulated the students after they qualified for the scholarship. “Congratulations, our dear scholars! May you continue to aim high and make Barangay Capuy proud!” he said. (PIA Bicol)