By Karen Joyce Pumaren and Ma. Therese Taghap/UPV Interns
Photos by Ma. Therese Taghap
A total of 27 beneficiaries of the provincial government’s Iskolar sang Iloilo Program for persons with disabilities (PWDs) graduated this year, of which one is magna cum laude and five are cum laude.
They were recognized during the culmination activity of the 44th National Disability Prevention and Rehabilitation Week on July 29, 2022 at the Iloilo Provincial Capitol lobby.
Kristine Kaye Camino graduated magna cum laude with a degree of Bachelor of Science in Hospitality Management (BSHM) from Iloilo Science and Technology (ISAT U) Main Campus.
Those who graduated as cum laude are Raniel James Adolacion (BS Information Technology - Iloilo State College of Fisheries Dingle Campus); Vanessa Arsenio (Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education – West Visayas State University Calinog Campus); Jyvi Espadon (Bachelor of Technology and Livelihood Education - ISAT-U Main Campus); Raphy Galgo (BS Fisheries – ISCOF Barotac Nuevo); and Joy Joy Penepona (BS Agriculture – NISU Barotac Viejo).
The honor graduates received certificates of recognition and cash incentives of P5,000 for magna cum laude and P3,000 for cum laude.
In an interview with the press, Camino thanked the provincial government of Iloilo for its financial support that helped out her family amidst the pandemic.
“Sa Iloilo provincial government super thankful gid ako kay dako ang nabulig nanda sa akon sa two years nga pandemic. Ang tatay ko tricycle driver. Ang akon nanay nagabantay sang tiangge.
Sang nagkapandemic wala gid kami kuha-an sang livelihood so ang allowance nga ginhatag sang Iloilo provincial government gingamit ko to start a business sa street food.
Nakabulig ina sa akon para makabulig man sa akon pamilya,” Camino said.
Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office (PSWDO) PWD Focal Person Rara Ganzon urged government agencies and private companies to give employment opportunities to PWD graduates.
“Tani ang mga local government units kag sa mga private man nga companies mahatag man sang opportunity to work sa aton nga mga PWD graduate scholars especially those who graduated with academic distinction,” Ganzon said.
The application for the educational assistance for PWD students is still open until August 15. The province will be getting 40 additional scholars this year.
