CAGAYAN de Oro Scholarship Office yesterday announced the results for an additional 2,000 city scholars for the ongoing Academic Year 2023-2024.
According to a report posted by the City Information Office on Monday, June 5, the newly accepted scholars are part of the Iskolar sa Dakbayan (ISDA) program in Cagayan de Oro.
“The program aims to provide financial assistance to underprivileged students who wish to pursue their studies but face financial constraints,” said the Mayor’s office chief of staff Shiela Lumbatan.
As of now, there are approximately 9,000 city scholars, including the recent addition of 2,000 new scholars, Lumbatan said.
City Hall, through Mayor Rolando “Klarex” Uy, has set a goal of reaching a total of around 10,000 scholars by the end of his first term.
According to Lumbatan, this initiative highlights the local government’s commitment to investing in the education of its youth, recognizing that education is a crucial foundation for building a better future.
“The process aims to ensure that the scholarships are awarded to deserving students who demonstrate academic excellence, leadership potential, and financial need,” Lumbatan stressed.
The availability of scholarships such as the ISDA program is especially critical in the current economic climate, where many families are struggling to make ends meet, she added.
The financial assistance provided through the scholarship program can make a significant difference in the lives of the scholars and their families, enabling them to overcome financial barriers and pursue their goals, said Lumbatan.
She added it also represents an opportunity for the City of Cagayan de Oro to invest in the future of its youth and contribute to the development of its communities.
“By investing in education, the government is investing in the future of the city and its people,” Lumbatan said.
She said the new batch of Iskolar sa Dakbayan (ISDA) in Cagayan de Oro has been announced, and the List of the Newly Accepted City Scholars is available at this link: bit.ly/2023CSOResults.
City Councilor Suzzette Magtajas-Daba, who chairs the education committee of the city council shared that the city government’s efforts to provide financial assistance to deserving students are in line with the city government’s thrust to prioritize education and human development.
“The government recognizes that investing in education is crucial to building a more prosperous and equitable society, and has implemented various programs to support this goal,” she said
The government’s various initiatives to support education and human development are essential in ensuring that every Cagayanon has access to quality education and the opportunity to reach their full potential.
Magtajas-Daba, who is also the chairperson of the previous city council and under the administration of former mayor Oscar Moreno, revealed that this year the city government has been allocating a budget of P280 million for their city scholars.
“The budget has been increasing by 10 percent each year,” Magtajas-Daba said.
In the previous administration, she said, they have a total of 7000 city scholars, with 2000 new scholars being added this year.
Magtajas-Daba also mentioned that the Law and Medical Scholarship will only be offered to start from the term of Mayor Rolando Klarex Uy for the academic year 2023-2024.
Meanwhile, Richel Petalcurin-Dahay, the head of the LGU CDO City Scholarship program, the selection of city scholars is done through a computerized system.
She even said the selection process for the new batch of scholars was based on submitted documents such as grades, family income, leadership and awards, and an interview, including a qualifying exam.
“The system administers and checks the exams,” said Petalcurin- Dahay.
Scholars from the University of Science and Technology of Southern Philippines (USTP) receive free tuition and a monthly allowance of P3500 from the city government.
“It represents an opportunity for the scholars to continue their education and pursue their dreams without worrying about the financial burden that comes with it,” she said.
While, scholars from local colleges receive full tuition and matriculation, along with a monthly allowance of P1,000 from the city government.
She said scholars residing in the hinterland barangays receive P1,500, and all of these scholarships cover full matriculation and tuition,
Petalcurin-Dahay also said that all the 2023 CD0 City Scholars have been selected following a rigorous screening process that included online applications, interviews, paper screenings, examinations, and validation.
In a Facebook post by the CSO, the new city scholars are also reminded by the CSO to attend the Certificate of Scholarship Acceptance and Approved School Placement and Course release on June 5-9 at the City Tourism Hall.
“Successful applicants are required to personally claim their scholarship to avoid forfeiting the Certificate of Scholarship Acceptance and the slot going to the next-in-rank applicant if the scholar fails to attend the activity,” it said.
The CSO’s announcement of the newly accepted scholars is a moment of celebration for the scholars and their families.
The announcement of an additional 2,000 city scholars for the ongoing Academic Year 2023-2024 in Cagayan de Oro is a significant milestone for the Iskolar sa Dakbayan program and the City of Cagayan de Oro.
The scholarship program provides an opportunity for underprivileged students to pursue their studies.
The office also emphasizes that accepting siblings of current scholars is discouraged to give a chance to other applicants.
For those who want to know more about the scholarship results, the CSO reminded the passers to please visit their Facebook page.
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