Jim John Tolentino, a member of Bukidnon tribe from Don Salvador Benedicto and a scholar of the Provincial Government of Negros Occidental graduated his Bachelor of Science in Hotel and Restaurant Management with flying colors at the Central Philippine State University (CPSU) – San Carlos Campus, recently.
Tolentino was conferred Summa Cum Laude after he ranked No. 1 among the graduates with General Weighted Average (GWA) of 1.21.
He is also a leadership awardee as Supreme Student Government president and was given the distinction for Best in On-the-Job Training (OJT).
He gave the valedictory address during the 71st Virtual Commencement Program, an online-held graduation ceremony as it gathered 10 CPSU campuses in the province.
In his valedictory address, he expressed his gratitude to his scholarship grantor, Gov. Bong Lacson for the constant support during his college days.
He is a grantee of the Negros Occidental Scholarship Program (NOSP) under the Indigenous Peoples (IP) category.
As a provincial scholar, Tolentino received a stipend amounting to P3,000 every month plus P3,500 book and uniform allowance every semester on his second year until he graduated.
Tolentino, seventh among eight children of Elvie and Jimmy Tolentino who are both farmers, gave tribute to his parents for their hard work and sacrifices.
“Always believe in your dreams. Our weaknesses will never define our worth, remember that we have strengths, talents and skills, we have ourselves to rely on and we have our God who is not blind or deaf to all of our prayers”, he said.
Gov. Lacson congratulated Jim John Tolentino for his achievements and lauded him for his determination and quest for excellence. He added that he is worthy of emulation, not only among IP students but also among Negrense youth.
