A total of 104 Sorsogueno student-grantees across various higher education institutions (HEIs) in Sorsogon Province, including ACLC College, Bicol Merchant Marine College, Inc. (BMMCI), Computer Communication Development Institute (CCDI), Donsol Community College (DCC), Saint Louise de Marillac College of Sorsogon (SLMCS), Sorsogon College of Criminology, Inc. (SCCI), as well as Sorsogon State University (SorSU), with 44 SorSUeno qualified beneficiaries (Sorsogon City Campus – 32; Castilla Campus – 10; & Magallanes Campus – 2), received a check worth P25,000.00 of educational assistance through the Student Monetary Assistance Recovery and Transition (SMART) Grant Program, headed and initiated by Hon. Marie Bernadette “Dette” G. Escudero (1st District Representative, Sorsogon Province), in coordination with the Commission on Higher Education (CHED), held today, May 03, 2024, at the SorSU Audio-Visual Hall, Sorsogon City Campus.
Dr. J. Prospero De Vera III (CHED Chairperson), through a video message, underscored that the government, through various scholarship and educational assistance programs, fully supports students in acquiring and achieving their dreams of earning college degrees.
He remarked, “Huwag ding sasayangin ang oportunidad na ibinibigay ng gobyerno upang maiahon ang inyong pamilya at maitaas ang antas ng buhay.”
Meanwhile, Atty. Septon A. De La Cruz, CESO III (Regional Director, CHED ROV) expressed that being responsible and upright citizens of the country is the best way for students to repay the government for its assistance and support.
SUC President III, Dr. Geraldine F. De Jesus, also graced the grant distribution program, where the SorSU President conveyed her gratitude to CHED for choosing 44 SorSUeno grantees out of the 104 qualified beneficiaries.
“Sana ang makukuha nyo ngunyan, gamiton sa tama. Sana pag-abot sing panahon na mag-gradwar kamo, magkaigwa trabaho, madumduman nindo ang adlaw na ini. Na minsan sa buhay nindo, nakatanggap kamo ki saro na bagay na makakatabang sa indo.”
Further, Hon. Marie Bernadette “Dette” G. Escudero (1st District Representative, Sorsogon Province) highlighted in her message that the program initially began with the aim to help the poor and marginalized families who were greatly affected by the repercussions of the pandemic, stating that a significant number lost their jobs, means of livelihood, and even the education sector was also adversely impacted.
According to Cong. Dette, she coordinated with different academic institutions throughout the province in selecting qualified beneficiaries for the SMART Grant program, noting that third-year and fourth-year student-applicants were prioritized.
“Sana lahat ng blessings na nare-receive niyo, don’t take it for granted. Maski yung fact na nakakapag-aral kayo, naka-enroll kayo sa school, so doon palang napakasuwerte niyo na.”
Afterward, the ceremonial awarding of grant as well as the distribution of SMART Grant to 104 student-grantees followed. The 104 beneficiaries were accompanied by their respective parents.
Pursuant to CHED Memorandum No. 08, s. 2023, the SMART Grant program aims to provide a one-time fixed grant of twenty-five thousand (P25,000.00) to qualified students enrolled in any undergraduate program for Academic Year 2023-2024 only, which is among the strategies of the National Employment Recovery Strategy toward the increased success of students to graduate through scholarships, despite the aftereffects/repercussions of the pandemic. (SorSU PIO)
