BACOLOD CITY — Governor Eugenio “Bong” Lacson on Thursday led the signing of a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) with Mapua Malayan Digital College (MMDC) to formalize the Abanse Negrense IT and Business Scholarship, offering 51 Negrense youth the opportunity to pursue higher education in information technology and business administration.
The signing ceremony, held at the MMDC Learning Hub in Ayala Malls Capitol Central, Bacolod City, was attended by the scholarship recipients and officials from the Provincial Government of Negros Occidental and MMDC.
The 51 grantees, who hail from various cities and municipalities across the province, including Victorias, Silay, La Carlota, Sipalay, Kabankalan, and San Carlos, among others, will study at MMDC, which is under Malayan Colleges Laguna, a school affiliated with Mapua University.
Governor Lacson emphasized the significance of the scholarship, describing it as more than just financial assistance. “This scholarship is not just financial aid but an investment for your future. I encourage each of you to strive for excellence as you embrace this great opportunity. You are the leaders, innovators, and change-makers of tomorrow,” he said, addressing the students.
The scholarship is part of the Abanse Negrense program, which aims to uplift underprivileged yet deserving youth who are determined to complete their studies despite financial challenges. The Provincial Government’s focus on education reflects its broader commitment to empowering Negrense youth through academic and professional development opportunities.
The governor also expressed gratitude to MMDC for its continued partnership and trust in the province’s scholars. “We are thankful to MMDC for opening its doors and providing a supportive environment for our scholars. We believe in the potential of these young Negrenses, and together, we can help shape a brighter future for them,” Lacson added.
MMDC Executive Director Engr. Dennis Tablante, MMDC Student Affairs Director Rita De Jesus, and Negros Occidental Scholarship Program Division (NOSPD) head Karen Dinsay were also present at the ceremony. Dinsay, who leads the scholarship initiative, was commended by Lacson for her team’s dedicated efforts in nurturing Negrense learners through various educational programs.
The scholarship program, which is in line with the provincial government’s “Abanse Negrense” development agenda, particularly focuses on preparing students for future leadership roles in technology and business, sectors critical to the economic growth of Negros Occidental.
MMDC’s approach to education emphasizes digital learning, providing scholars with flexible learning environments that integrate both online and offline modes of study. This is expected to be particularly beneficial for students from rural areas with limited access to traditional educational institutions.
The Provincial Government’s commitment to education, as seen through this scholarship program, reflects its broader efforts to develop a more skilled and competitive workforce in Negros Occidental, aligning with the region’s push toward technological advancement and economic progress.
