By Mariela Angella Oladive
Fifty Indigenous Peoples (IP) scholars officially joined Iloilo’s Provincial Educational Assistance Program during an orientation and contract signing ceremony on October 12 at the Grand Social Hall, Casa Real de Iloilo.
The event, which coincided with the celebration of National Indigenous Peoples Month, highlighted the provincial government’s dedication to providing educational opportunities for marginalized Indigenous Cultural Communities (ICCs).
Chosen from a pool of 273 applicants, the scholars will receive PHP 41,000 annually to support their college education until they graduate.
This initiative is part of the Iloilo Provincial Government’s social justice agenda, implemented by the Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office (PSWDO), to assist economically disadvantaged but deserving IP students.
The screening process for the program was conducted from August 30 to September 1 at the Iloilo Provincial Capitol.
Applicants underwent interviews with the Technical Working Group (TWG), which included representatives from the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP) Regional Office VI, the Department of Education (DepEd) Division of Iloilo, the Provincial Planning and Development Office (PPDO), and the PSWDO.
During the ceremony, Acting PSWDO Head Rani Melvi A. Cuarte congratulated the scholars and their families.
“IP grantees’ success in education does not only reflect a promise of improved lives for their families but can also be considered a victory for their communities,” Cuarte said.
NCIP representative Vima G. Latoza praised the provincial government’s sustained efforts in supporting IP education and encouraged the scholars to maintain their cultural identity as they pursue their academic goals.
IP Focal Person Marice Andrea S. Bedonia provided an overview of the scholars’ responsibilities and the program’s benefits.
The Provincial Educational Assistance Program admits 50 new IP scholars each year, aiming to empower communities by helping students achieve academic success.
