The “Kabugwason Paglaum Scholarship and Grant-in Aid Program (KPSP)” of the provincial government of South Cotabato provides not just financial support to its beneficiaries but also fosters a community that gives equal opportunity to deserving students who are eager to achieve their dreams.

Emerging as a lifeline for youth and young adults, the KPSP is founded on the mission to empower this group of individuals through education.

Gov. Reynaldo Tamayo, in an earlier statement, stressed his commitment to providing free education to his younger constituents who are deserving and willing to finish their schools in exchange for a productive future.

“Wala sang mag-untat nga estudyante. Nagapangita ako sang pamaagi,” he stated, expressing concerns that, because of financial constraints, some in-school youth may just abruptly stop going to school.

[I am looking for ways so no one will stop going to school.]

In a Facebook post, the governor also recounted how he had looked for ways to allocate funds for college students who dreamed of earning a degree.

According to him, this was after the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) announced in March of 2022 that it would temporarily suspend its funding support for incoming first-year college students for the academic year 2022-2023 due to a “budget deficiency.”

The suspension of CHED's scholarship program automatically affected scholars receiving aid from its attached agency, the Unified Student Financial Assistance System for Tertiary Education (UniFAST), which has now resumed its scholarship grant for the academic year 2024-2025.

Since then, KPSP has been instrumental in transforming the lives of countless students in the province by bridging the gap between aspiration and reality.

Meanwhile, on its Facebook page, KPSP describes the scholarship as a “unique program” because “the students could avail assistance even without taking the exam and maintaining grades.”

“[KPSP] is an educational flagship program of the province of South Cotabato for poor but academically deserving students,” it further stated.

Recognizing the diverse needs of scholars, Rhonalyn Gallego, KPSP program head, highlighted that it is offering an equal opportunity to students belonging to the less privileged or low-income families in the province who are deserving of the scholarship based on the applicant’s academic qualifications.

Data from the provincial government has also indicated KPSP’s continuous efforts to produce professionals of different backgrounds who are now serving in government and private institutions while also excelling in their chosen field. 

In a gathering, South Cotabato officials congratulated a handful of scholars who have graduated from the program after recently passing the 2023 Bar Examinations.

The proud lawyers include Kaye Cristelle Lavente, Ernie Lumbu-an Jr., Rhona Fae Directo, Jhun Miranda, and Jasper Kent Perez, who were all recipients of the Kabugwason Paglaum Scholarship and Grant-in-Aid program of the province.

“Padayon lang sa inyo pangarap hindi gid dali ang pag-eskwela sang law, continue to pray, continue to study to read and work hard, kasabay gid sang pag paningkamot nila ang pag pangamuyo man, bisan ano mo ka study kung hindi ihatag sa imo hindi gid na para sa imo, sabay gid na sila duha, ora et labora-pray and work,” said Perez, as he inspired law students under the program to fully take advantage of the educational assistance and generosity of the provincial government. 

[Just continue to dream. Going to law school is not really that easy. But continue to pray; continue to study, read, and work hard. Of course, along with their hard work comes their prayer. However, no matter how hard they study, if it is not given to them, then it's not really meant for them. They go hand in hand, ora et labora—pray and work.]

With the program nurturing a generation of educated, engaged, and empowered individuals, KPSP is contributing to the broader spheres of social and economic development not only in the province but the entire Soccsksargen region.

“Their success not only brings pride to their families and community but also enriches the legal profession and strengthens the fabric of our society,” Gallego articulated.

She expressed confidence that KPSP will stand for a long time as a testament to the "transformative power of education," which will pave the way for a brighter and more promising future for the young individuals of South Cotabato. (AMB/CTA – PIA Region 12)