THE Land Bank of the Philippines (LANDBANK) launched a new scholarship program designed to assist deserving dependents of agrarian reform beneficiaries (ARBs) and small farmers and fisheries nationwide.
Under the “Iskolar ng LANDBANK Program,” the bank has allotted a total of P128 million to cover the educational expenses of 360 scholars from 2023 to 2028.
The Iskolar ng LANDBANK Program carries the theme: “600@60: Developing scholars and nurturing talents towards serving the nation,” representing the bank’s target 600 scholar graduates — which includes graduates from the previous scholarship program — in celebration of LANDBANK’s 60th anniversary this year.
“LANDBANK is committed to develop and nurture students as we assist in their journey from education to employment. The Iskolar ng LANDBANK Program underscores our efforts toward this end, and forms part of our intensified support to the agri sector. We are opening opportunities for the youth to improve the lives of their families and their communities, guiding them to successfully join our workforce and become significant contributors to nation-building,” said LANDBANK president and CEO Cecilia Cayosa Borromeo.
Eligible scholars under the Program are the children and grandchildren of ARBs and small farmers and fishers who are high school graduates, with a minimum average grade of 90 percent or belonging to the top 10 percent of their class.
The scholarship will support 60 new scholars annually starting this year until 2028, and provide each with P100,000 per year to cover allowance and expenses for books, clothing, and other course requirements. Special cash incentives will also be awarded to scholars who will graduate with honors.
The scholars have 12 eligible courses to choose from, namely horticulture, animal science, food technology, data analytics, information technology, accounting, agribusiness management, and agricultural, information technology, and industrial or management, civil and mechanical engineering.
The state-run bank is set to partner initially with 12 state colleges and universities (SUCs) nationwide, to accommodate scholars in National Capital Region; northern, central and southern Luzon; Visayas; and Mindanao.
Iskolar graduates will be also offered on-the job (OJT) training in LANDBANK branches and lending centers, including the bank’s partner agencies and institutions.
The Iskolar ng LANDBANK Program will be managed by the LANDBANK Countryside Development Foundation, Inc. (LCDFI), the bank’s corporate foundation which provides trainings and capacity-building programs./PN
