Philippines: Agriculture scholars honored for academic achievements

Seven scholars of the Land Bank of the Philippines (LBP) earned their various agriculture-related degrees with honors.  The Gawad Patnubay College Scholarship Program provides underprivileged but deserving students and dependents of agrarian reform beneficiaries and LBP cooperative members who want to specialize in agriculture and fisheries.

The scholars awarded for academic excellence are Vergel Jungco (magna cum laude, BS AgricBusiness of the University of Southern Mindanao), Jess Bryan Alvariño (cum laude, BS Agriculture of the University of Southern Mindanao),  Royette Santos (cum laude, BS Agriculture of the Central Luzon State University), Francis Lutao Jr. (cum laude, BS AgriBusiness of the Visayas State University), Cesar Pabia Jr. (cum laude, BS AgriBusiness of the Visayas State University) , Jay Carl Cacerez (cum laude, BS Agricultural Chemistry of the Visayas State University), and Roda Capacao (cum laude, BS Agriculture of the Visayas State University) .

The other scholars who graduated this year are Samantha Alcantara (BS Agriculture of the Central Luzon State University), Christian Lacanilao (BS Agriculture of the Central State University), Kristine Joy Reyes (BS Agriculture of the Central Luzon State University), Excel Ariola (BS AgriBusiness of the Central Mindanao University),and Jovel Grand Marquez (BS AgriBusiness of the Central Mindanao University).

The scholarship grants 100% tuition fee subsidy, monthly stipend, and book and a uniform allowance. As part of the program, the scholars will undergo a two-month review for the Agriculturist Licensure Board Examinations in  July 15. They will also participate in an eight-month intensive internship employment program with LBP and its partner institutions.

The Gawad Patnubay College Scholarship Program was launched in 2013, in partnership with the International Rice Research Institute, to address the decline in enrolment in agriculture. The program also aims to develop skills in modern agriculture, renew enthusiasm for the agricultural sector, promote sustainable development, and reduce poverty in the countryside. It is is a nationwide undertaking that will benefit college students who wish to pursue (or are pursuing) Bachelor of Science in Agriculture or agriculture-related courses. To date, 28 scholarships have been awarded to students from five universities.

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