Land Bank Gawad Patnubay scholars, 7 graduated with honors

NO calamity is strong enough to shatter a young man’s dream.

This was proven by Cesar G. Pabia Jr. when he graduated from college despite the devastation suffered by his family from super typhoon Yolanda in 2013. Pabia did not only earn a degree in Agricultural Business but also graduated Cum Laude from the Visayas State University.

“After the devastation brought about by typhoon Yolanda, I thought I would not have the chance to go to college. But this scholarship from Land Bank came along and I took it not only with a grateful heart but with a determined spirit,” says Pabia.

Pabia is one of the 12 students who earned their degrees in agriculture and related fields with the help of Land Bank Gawad Patnubay scholarship program.

“The scholarship helped make the road to graduation less bumpy,” said Jay Carl A. Cacerez, another scholar who also graduated Cum Laude.

The Land Bank Gawad Patnubay scholarship program provides educational assistance to poor but deserving students, with the goal of infusing the agricultural and cooperative sectors with much-needed professionals who will pursue agricultural growth and development for the country.

Aside from Pabia and Cacerez, five of the 12 graduates from Land Bank’s four partner state universities were also conferred with honors.

Below is a complete list of the first batch of graduates under the Land Bank Gawad Patnubay scholarship program:

Central Luzon State University (Muñoz, Nueva Ecija):

Royette C. Santos, BS Agriculture, Cum Laude

Samantha B. Alcantara, BS Agriculture

Christian C. Lacanilao, BS Agriculture

Kristine Joy R. Reyes, BS Agriculture

Visayas State University (Baybay, Leyte):

Francisco T. Lutao, Jr., BS Agribusiness, Cum Laude

Cesar G. Pabia Jr., BS Agribusiness, Cum Laude

Jay Carl A. Cacerez, BS Agricultural Chemistry, Cum Laude

Roda G. Capacao, BS Agriculture, Cum Laude

Central Mindanao State University (Musuan, Bukidnon):

Excel T. Ariola, BS Agribusiness

Jovel Grand C. Marquez, BS Agribusiness

University of Southern Mindanao (Kidapawan, North Cotabato):

Vergel A. Jungco, BS Agribusiness, Magna Cum Laude

Jess Bryan M. Alvariño, BS Agriculture, Cum Laude

A total of 28 students were part of the first batch of Land Bank Gawad Patnubay scholars which kicked off during the second semester of academic year 2013-2014, with the remaining 14 yet to graduate from their respective programs. Aside from the four universities where the 12 scholars graduated, there are also scholarship recipients from the University of Philippines Los Baños.

The Gawad Patnubay scholarship is a two-pronged program that offers both formal and informal education in the field of agriculture.

The formal education program is being implemented in partnership with the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI), where scholars are provided with 100 percent subsidy on all school fees, with book and monthly allowances every semester, among others.

The scholarship program also has a special Enrolment to Employment (E2E) component, where the scholars undergo a two-month review in preparation for the Agriculturist Licensure Board Examinations, which will be fully funded by the Bank.