ILOILO CITY (PIA) — Fifty new Indigenous Peoples (IPs) scholars in Iloilo province recently signed their contracts under the Provincial Educational Assistance Program for IPs and members of Indigenous Cultural Communities (ICCs).
These IP scholars hailed from the towns of Alimodian, Anilao, Barotac Viejo, Calinog, Guimbal, Janiuay, Lambunao, Maasin, Leon, Pototan, San Rafael, and Tubungan.
Acting Provincial Social Welfare and Development Officer (PSWDO) Rani Melvi Cuarte welcomed the grantees and their parents, commending them for being selected from 273 applicants.
Cuarte emphasized the broader significance of their educational success.
“IP grantees’ success in education does not only reflect a promise in the improvement of life of their families but it can also be considered as a victory for their communities,” Cuarte said.
Representatives from the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP) Regional Office VI and the Department of Education (DepEd) Division of Iloilo, who are part of the technical working group, also attended the event to offer their support.
Vima G. Latoza of NCIP-6 expressed gratitude to the provincial government for its continuous efforts in supporting IP education geared towards the betterment of their lives.
She also urged the scholars to maintain their cultural identity and traditions.
Meanwhile, IP Focal Person Marice Andrea Bedonia underscored the responsibilities of the grantees and the benefits provided by the provincial government.
To note, the Provincial Educational Assistance Program accepts 50 new IP grantees every year to help them complete tertiary education and uplift their communities through academic success. (AAL/LMLE/PIA Iloilo/With reports from Capitol)
