MISAMIS OCCIDENTAL (PIA) -- At least 885 college student grantees from different towns in Misamis Occidental have received educational assistance, a dream that is turning into reality for many youth, through the provincial government’s Asenso Pamilya: One Family, One Professional Program. 

The program aims to provide subsistence assistance to students completing college degrees and eventually facilitate future employment opportunities.

The provincial government, through the tireless effort and initiative of Governor Henry Oaminal, recently held a simultaneous pay-out distribution of educational assistance within several venues on March 18. 

During the distribution, Jimenez Mayor Joselito Chiong expressed his appreciation for Governor Oaminal’s efforts. 

He likewise recognized the governor’s relentless push for the program, as he wanted every Misamisnon “to live peacefully, prosperously, and ultimately be happy.” The mayor also touted the governor’s seriousness to improve the lives of his constituents by prioritizing education programs. 

Residents from the towns of Jimenez, Tudela, Clarin, Sinacaban, DonVic, OLT Ozamiz, Bonifacio, Tangub City, Sapang Dalaga, Baliangao, and Conception comprised the program beneficiaries. 

Most of the educational aid grantees are residents of Tangub, with 270 students availing of the program, and Bonifacio has 106 grantees, while there were 50 grantees each in other towns. 

On the first day of payout, grantees received allowances worth P15,000, capped for the January–March period during the 2nd semester of the school year 2024. This allowance covers students’ education-related expenses, such as tuition fees, books, and other school needs. 

The continuous provision of education assistance to Misamisnons became possible due to the strong collaboration of the Provincial Government and its owner municipalities. 

“This collaboration ensures that every student in the province has equal opportunities to finish their respective courses and succeed in their chosen careers,” Oaminal said. 

Judiflor D. Camacho, 20, is a third-year student pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration majoring in Human Resource Management at John Buco Colegio de Jimenez, Inc. 

Camacho expressed her dream of assisting her family in escaping poverty. She expressed great relief after being able to avail herself of the scholarship program, which helped her to continue her studies and pay her tuition and other school needs. 

Camacho narrated that she was having a hard time paying for her schooling because her family was in debt. She shared that her father’s income as a farmer was not enough to pay for all of their household expenses and her education. 

As a working student, she was juggling multiple jobs to help her family make ends meet. According to Camacho, receiving educational assistance was a huge relief for her because she no longer needed to multitask while she could focus on her studies.

The provincial government touted the initiative as “a beacon of hope for students who aspire to make a difference in their lives and communities.” 

The Asenso Pamilya Program manifests the provincial government's strong commitment to providing equal opportunities to every student in Misamis Occidental. 

At least 3,200 grantees enrolled, whether in vocational or tertiary education, have benefited from the OPOF program. The program facilitates the provision of a P5,000 monthly stipend to student beneficiaries throughout the school year semester.

By 2026, the Misamis Occidental government aims to alleviate poverty in the province and improve the lives of at least 90 percent of its constituents who are above the poverty line. (PGMO/PIA-10/Misamis Occidental)