ILOILO – Twenty-four Indigenous Peoples (IPs) and one person with disability (PWD) scholars of the Iloilo provincial government passed the March 2023 Licensure Examination for Professional Teachers (LEPT).
The 24 IP grantees were Mariedale Moreno Alegario, Flora Mae Española Alimante, Mark Dave Andag Botol, Caila Kate Zaldivar Camarig, Vivian Aligaen Camino, Danny May Diano Casiple, Jefil Joy Casiple, Almalyn Marbebe Casisiman, Renalyn Lavilla Catedrilla, Joan Prandas Cena, Rogen Tamonan Elizarde, Faith Joy Capada Engada, Jhezel Ambani Franco, Katrina Selanio Galan, Renaldo Lozada Gonzales Jr., Ruffa Gaborne Lebuna, Angelica Lego Libuna, Ellen Joy Silva Libuna, Elvie Villegas Labordo, Donna Mae Altimo Maldevia, John Lloyd Perante Mendez, Devina Carisma Panes, Daren Mae Lauresta Sanchez, and Almira Tambalo Tapiculin.
The PWD grantee was Vanessa F. Arsenio. A native of Calinog town, she was the only PWD who passed the March 2023 LEPT.
Arsenio was a graduate of Bachelor of Elementary Education Major in General Education (cum laude) at the West Visayas State University-College of Education Calinog campus.
“Your success serves as an inspiration to us all, showing that abilities and talents know no boundaries. May your teaching journey be filled with endless possibilities and joyous moments, and contribute to a more inclusive and diverse education system,” said Ann Rapunzel “Rara” Ganzon, Social Welfare and Development Officer IV and focal person for PWDs of the Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office (PSWDO) in a message to Arsenio.
The Provincial Educational Assistance Program for Indigenous Peoples and the Provincial Scholarship Program for Persons With Disabilities are being implemented by the PSWDO to assist economically marginalized and deserving IPs and PWDs finish their tertiary education.
The program is open to marginalized and disadvantaged but deserving IP members of the Indigenous Cultural Communities who desire to pursue tertiary education.
The scholars receive a monthly allowance of P3,500; book allowance worth P2,000; research allowance of P2,500; or a total of P41,000 financial assistance per school year. (With a report from Balita Halin sa Kapitolyo)/PN
