The Cua administration has granted scholarships to 12 individuals under Catanduanes Medicine and Law Scholarship and Return Service Program (CMLSRSP) which is now on its fourth year of implementation.
Last Aug. 22, 2024, Gov. Joseph C. Cua and the grantees signed the scholarship agreements during a ceremony at the Provincial Capitol Lobby.
In his message, the chief executive, who chairs the scholarship board, said the program is inspired by community-focused NGO practices that address local needs and provide crucial support.
“Nagpuon tabi an inisyatibong ini sa paagi nin pag-benchmark sa mga good practices kan mga NGOs/ arog nin Jessi Robredo Foundation,” he said, as he expressed hope that the scholars will contribute expertise and innovative ideas for future government programs.
All taking up law at the Catanduanes State University this first semester of School Year 2024 are: Leonelli C. Vitalicio, son of Leo and Nemia Vitalicio of Antipolo, Bagamanoc; Chander Caster R. Ubalde, son of Felipe and Esther Ubalde of San Isidro Village, Virac; Fernando DL. Camacho Jr., son of Fernando and Heidi Camacho of Francia, Virac; Hannah Jane T. Casanova, daughter of Antonio and Maria Luisa Casanova of Calatagan Proper, Virac; Donato T. Teaño, son of Donato Sr. and Emma Teaño of Sogod Tibgao, Virac; and Belen E. Sapico, daughter of Esteban and Pinky Sapico oif Dariao, Caramoran.
The medicine scholars are: Bicol University’s Patrice Allysa C. Benavidez, daughter of Edwin and Pinky Benavidez of Sogod Tibgao (BLISS), Virac; De La Salle Medical and Health Sciences Institute’s Aneirin Lleyke T. Sarmiento, daughter of Adolfo and Catherine Sarmiento of District II, Gigmoto; AMEC-Bicol Christian College of Medicine’s Navileen A. Ekstrom, daughter of Arthur and Eden Ekstrom of Comagaycay, San Andres; University of the East’s Maria Teresa DQ. dela Rosa, daughter of Rey and Tessie dela Rosa of Calatagan Proper, Virac; Far Eastern University’s Rykka A. Dolores, daughter of Welito and Marichu Dolores of San Rafael, Bagamanoc; and Manila Central University’s Philip John F. Magtagñob, son of Jovito and Mary Ann Magtagñob of Palnab del Norte, Virac.
Except for dela Rosa who is a 2nd year student, the six medicine scholars are on their first year of study.
In her turn at the rostrum, Medicine scholar Aneirin Lleyke Sarmiento remarked that the scholarship goes beyond personal education and extends to serving the community.
“It’s about contributing to the greater good and ensuring our skills benefit the people of Catanduanes,” she said.
On the other hand, Law scholar Chander Caster Ubalde encouraged his fellow scholars to embrace the opportunity with enthusiasm and dedication, recognizing their potential to make a difference in the community.
“We have been given a remarkable chance to make a difference,” he emphasized.
The CMLSRSP program has been running for three years, providing qualified Catandunganon youth with free tuition and allowances worth up to Php 600,000 per year to pursue careers in law and medicine.
Last year, the program supported Atty. Jude Tacorda in successfully taking the Bar exam, with two medicine scholars and one law scholar graduating from their courses this year.