BY LEANDER C. DOMINGO
LA UNION (May 27)—The Commission on Higher Education (CHEd) in Region 1 has paid tribute to 10 exemplary state universities and colleges (SUC) graduates in the Ilocos region during the “Padyak Pagkilala: Gawad Parangal sa Natatanging Mag-aaral” held at Don Mariano Marcos Memorial State University (DMMMSU) on May 18.
Honoring the 10 outstanding graduates coincided with the celebration of CHEd’s 27th Founding Anniversary on May 17 and 1st National Higher Education Day on May 18 at the DMMMSU’s International Convention Center.
According to Dr. Rogelio Galera Jr., CHEd Region 1 director, these graduates are grantees of CHEd Student Financial Assistance Program, Tertiary Education Subsidy (TES) and Expanded Student Grants-in-aid Program for Poverty Alleviation (ESGP-PA).
Galera said the graduates were recognized for their academic achievements, laudable performance and leadership, and resilience despite financial difficulties as they finished their college degrees.
The 10 awardees were selected from among almost 100 grantees who submitted their inspiring stories for CHEd Region 1.
Five of the 10 awardees are from DMMMSU.
Jomar Fabros – Full Merit CHEd Scholar and Tertiary Education Subsidy Grantee. Bachelor of Arts in Agriculture, DMMMSU-South La Union Campus (SLUC), Cum Laude.
Mary Campos – Free Tuition Higher Education Grantee and Tulong Dunong Program Grantee. Bachelor of Elementary Education-Special Education, DMMMSU-SLUC.
Mia Rosely Crisostomo – Expanded Students Grants-in-Aid Program for Poverty Alleviation Grantee. Bachelor of Science in Information Systems, DMMMSU-North La Union Campus (NLUC).
John Michael Bautista – Tertiary Education Subsidy Grantee. BS in Information Systems, DMMMSU-NLUC.
Ace Ceremonia – Full Merit CHEd Scholar. BS Industrial Education, DMMMSU-Mid La Union Campus (MLUC), Magna Cum Laude.
The other five awardees come from other universities in Ilocos and Pangasinan.
Jonathan Agullana – Tertiary Education Subsidy Grantee. Bachelor of Elementary Education, Data Center College of the Philippines, Laoag City, Summa Cum Laude
Giovani Valdez – Expanded Students Grants-in-Aid Program for Poverty Alleviation Grantee. AB Political Science, North Luzon Philippines State College, Candon City.
Mark Lourence Martinez – Expanded Students Grants-in-Aid Program for Poverty Alleviation Grantee. AB Communication, Mariano Marcos State University.
Ryan Roi Domingo – Free Higher Education Grantee. BA English Language, Mariano Marcos State University, Magna Cum Laude.
Michelle Fornis – Tulong Dunong Program Grantee. BSBA Marketing Management, University of Pangasinan.
The awarding ceremony was also broadcast live via CHEd-Region 1 Facebook Page.
Each of the awardees received a medal and a carabao trophy with their name inscribed on it. Awardees who were not able to attend the onsite awarding ceremony received their awards virtually.
“The carabao symbolizes the role the Commission takes on in advancing the students closer to their dreams. The students are the farmers who work hand in hand with their dependable farm companions as they plant their dreams, survive the seasons, and reap the fruits of their labor,” Galera said during the awarding ceremony.
The CHEd official also encouraged the graduates to keep their passion burning as they continue to succeed in life.
DMMMSU President Dr. Jaime Manuel Jr. said the awardees are the embodiment of students who persevered, excelled and succeeded, and who represent the best, the brightest and the finest among all students in the region.