‘Iskolar Ni Manang Imee’ graduates as magna cum laude

ALLAN Dave Patubo with Governor Imee Marcos (Alaric Yanos photo)

By Jennifer T. Pambid

PGIN-CMO

Allan Dave Patubo of the Mariano Marcos State University College of Industrial Technology after graduating as magna cum laude, expressed his thanks to the “Iskolar Ni Manang Imee” Program of the Provincial Government of Ilocos Norte (PGIN) for being a big part of his success.

Mr. Patubo, together with the 12 cum laude student beneficiaries of the program, is among this year’s 250 provincial scholars from different colleges and universities in the province.

As a son of a tricycle driver and a housewife, he said that his four-year struggle in college was hard but he didn’t consider it as hindrance in pursuing his dream of earning a degree in Bachelor of Technical Teacher Education (Major in Electronics Technology).

“I used to walk from our house [Brgy. 12, Laoag City] to school and I also experienced having only 10 pesos in hand. When we had to pay contributions at school, I was always one of the last to pay because we really had no money. But I knew those hardships will pay off as long as I persevere in my studies,” he related.

Before knowing about the program, Mr. Patubo was able to enroll for the first semester in college with the help of the cash gifts he earned from his high school graduation. He then had no idea how to sustain his studies until one of his teachers introduced to him the “Iskolar Ni Manang Imee” program.

“[My parents] told me to stop for second year college but with the help of ‘Iskolar ni Manang Imee,’ we were able to resolve our financial difficulty. The monthly stipends were really a big help,” he said.

Mr. Patubo further said that the financial support from the “Iskolar Ni Manang Imee” program was his only hope for finishing college and is thus thankful to Ilocos Norte Governor Ma. Imelda “Imee” R. Marcos “for [creating] this kind of program for poor and deserving students like me.”

On March 26, 2015, Ms. Marcos led the distribution of stipends to the 250 beneficiaries consisting of both academic and leadership scholars.

Each scholar receives a total of P15,650.00 per semester which covers their tuition fee, board and lodging, transportation allowances and other daily expenses.

During the program, she stressed that scholarship assistance should not only be given to students with high grades and educational background but also, and especially, to those who are very eager to learn but have small chances of finishing their studies.

Ms. Marcos took pride in all graduating students, especially Mr. Patubo, and their parents as well who attended the program.

“We’ve seen clearly that wherever we may come from, whatever our economic backgrounds are, in the end we can reach the victory. You’re an inspiration to all of us, the very best of Ilocos Norte, the governor said.”

She also assured them that PGIN will continue focusing on the welfare of the youth and will try its best to help them in raising their quality of life.

“This is a mere beginning for all of us, as one family. Let us continue working together in order to uplift our families and above all, every one of you would realize the best that you can be, to your fullest potentials in the service of Ilocos Norte,” she concluded.

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