Laoag City Mayor Michael V. Fariñas announced that the city government’s scholarship program is still open. The scholarship program, now on its second year, is designed to extend financial assistance to deserving but underprivileged high school graduates who wish to pursue higher education. However due to fund limitations, the city government’s scholarship program slots will be dependent on the availability of funds. City government scholars are set to receive a monthly stipend of P1,5000 for 10 months, or for the whole school year, provided that the grantee would maintain the required weighted average from all the normal load subjects. Thirty slots are available for the four-year degree program; five slots for the five-year degree program; and 25 for the two-year non-degree program. The scholars would have to maintain a weighted average of 2.25, 2.50 and 2.25 for the four-year, five-year and two-year degrees, respectively. Applicants should not be more than 27 years old and must submit a photocopy of student form 138, birth certificate, certificate of good moral character from their respective barangay chairmen or district councilor, and a photocopy of their parents’ income tax return or a certification from a competent authority that the applicant’s family’s combined income does not exceed P108,000 per annum. Records showed that only 13 scholars had been carried over from last year’s program. The Ilocos Times also learned that the Sangguniang Panlungsod appropriated P900,000 for last school year but the amount was not exhausted for the program. The remainder would be used to fund this year’s scholarship program. Meanwhile, Fariñas also announced that his personal scholarship program, dubbed “Skolar ni MVF” is still open for elementary pupils and secondary students. Fariñas divulged that he is planning to increase his scholars from 600 to 1,200. This scholarship program is being funded by the mayor from his personal funds but he said he also accepts donations from people “who have big hearts and who are willing to help those who are in need.” Applicants for Fariñas’ personal scholarship program must come from an indigent family which should be duly certified by their barangay chairman or the social welfare office. Dominic B. dela Cruz
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