ILOILO — Affirming inclusivity in higher education, 10 scholars from marginalized communities — seven Indigenous Peoples (IPs) and three Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) — have successfully earned their college degrees under the Iloilo provincial government’s Educational Assistance Program.
The graduates, who completed courses in education, arts and sciences, and engineering, were honored during a Recognition Program held from June 3 to 5 at Iloilo Science and Technology University (ISAT-U). Five of them graduated with academic distinction — four as cum laude and one as magna cum laude.
The milestone highlights the impact of the provincial government’s continuing investment in empowering disadvantaged groups through education. Each grantee receives P41,000 annually to cover tuition and other academic needs, enabling them to complete college at public institutions.
“This is not just a scholarship — it is a pathway to dignity and opportunity,” said Ann Rapunzel Ganzon, Social Welfare Officer IV of the Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office (PSWDO).
Launched in 2016 and implemented by the PSWDO, the Educational Assistance Program currently supports 50 IP and 40 PWD scholars each year. It forms part of the province’s MoRProGres Iloilo agenda — a development framework that prioritizes inclusive growth and access to essential services for all sectors, particularly the vulnerable.
Now as degree holders, the ten scholars stand as proof that with targeted support, barriers to education can be overcome — and marginalized voices can rise to shape the province’s future./PN
