ILOILO City – It has been proven time and again that investing in youth, particularly by assisting underprivileged yet deserving students to further their education, is a key ingredient for the sustained rise of this southern city.
Fifty-three Uswag scholars were recently cited by the city government for completing their college degrees this year with Latin honors.
The city government has produced 22 magna cum laudes and 31 cum laudes, each receiving cash rewards and certificates during a recognition ceremony this December at the City Mayor’s Office.
To date, the program has provided assistance to 27,000 youth and aided in the establishment of young Ilonggo professionals since its inception in 2010 during Mayor Jerry Treñas’ congressional stint.
Mayor Treñas regularly gathers honorees to recognize their academic excellence and outstanding performance as Uswag scholars. He said that they inspire the youth of Iloilo City by exemplifying the core values of a dedicated, patriotic, and productive young Filipino.
“The number of scholars we have been helping is steadily growing. This is for you. What I can assure you is that the city government is committed to continuing this program and it will remain a priority,” he told the Uswag scholars.
This assurance was cemented earlier this year with the formal launch of “RISE, Iloilo City”, a strategic roadmap sustaining the previous W.H.E.E.L.S. Program. The financial aid for education falls under the core pillar of Responsive and Inclusive Human Development.
Under the Uswag scholarship, qualified beneficiaries get a P5,000 per semester cash incentive. To maintain this, an Uswag scholar must have no grade below 80.
Treñas also opened the doors of City Hall to Uswag scholar-awardees, offering them jobs in the local government once a post became available.
Applicants who may avail of the scholarship must be bona fide city residents who are senior high school graduates, high school graduates under the old Department of Education (DepEd) curriculum, or already at the college level.
They must submit an accomplished scholarship form, 1 piece 2×2-size colored picture, barangay indigency and certificate of residency issued by the punong barangay, certificate of good moral character, case study or certificate of eligibility issued by the City Social Welfare and Development Office (CSWDO), and certified true copy of grades from the previous semester./PN
