CAMIGUIN (PIA) — Investing in education, Camiguin’s scholarship program has seen remarkable growth, adding 16 new scholars and broadening its scope to include a wider range of disciplines.
Initially centered on medicine and medical laboratory science, the program now extends its support to students pursuing careers in nursing, dental medicine, nutrition and dietetics, pharmacy, and accountancy.
Beneficiaries of the program have shared how it has significantly changed their lives, enabling them to complete their education without the financial burdens that often accompany medical studies.
Dr. Zeneth Dumangcas highlighted how the program helped her pursue her medical dreams, despite the high cost of medical school.
“Naa daw medical scholarship sa province, mahal jud ang med school, and since naa man ang opportunity, so gi-grab nako. Ang benefits nga akong nakuha is full tuition; gi-cover pud nila ang review, and sa four years nga naa pa ko sa school, naa pud ko’y book allowance,” Dumangcas said.
(I heard there’s a medical scholarship in the province, and med school is really expensive. Since the opportunity was there, I grabbed it. The benefits I received included full tuition coverage; they also covered my review, and for the four years I was in school, I also had a book allowance.)
She also added her appreciation to the scholarship, saying, “I’m very grateful sa provincial government especially sa Romualdo family, for having this initiative. Ga-grow ang atong healthcare community dinhi nga permanent na jud mag-stay para sa atong Camiguingnons.”
(I’m very grateful to the provincial government, especially to the Romualdo family, for having this initiative. Our healthcare community here is growing, with more professionals now staying permanently to serve the people of Camiguin.)
Similarly, Chriszle Mae Gil, a medical technologist, emphasized the profound impact the scholarship had on her college journey.
“Importante kay ni siya sa akoa ug dako kaayo siya’g impact sa akong life nga na-belong ko sa medical scholar, nakalahutay ko sa college nga walay problema, ipasar lang jud kay naa ko’y scholarship,” Gil said.
(This is very important to me, and belonging to the medical scholars had a huge impact on my life. With it, I was able to attend college without any problems; I just need to pass the exam because I have my scholarship.)
Gil credits the scholarship for helping her complete her desired course and for enabling her to join the growing community of healthcare professionals in Camiguin. “Daghan na mi medical workers nga mag-serve sa Camiguin (We now have many medical workers who will serve in Camiguin),” she added.
Gov. Xavier Jesus Romualdo emphasized that beyond financial assistance, the scholarship program empowers students to focus on their studies and build careers in healthcare, ultimately strengthening the province’s healthcare system.
“Our scholarship programs give promising young Camiguingnons the chance to achieve their dreams and, at the same time, serve the province and be of service to their fellow Camiguingnons,” Romualdo said. (ALAO/RTP/PIA-10/Camiguin)
