KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato — Dozens of deserving South Cotabateño families secured critical financial relief for higher education as the Provincial Government of South Cotabato formally sealed its commitment to the newest batch of scholars under the Kabugwason-Paglaum Scholarship and Grant-In-Aid Program (KPSGIAP).
The sholarship, officially finalized during a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) signing and orientation on September 5 at the South Cotabato Cultural Center and Gymnasium, opens life-changing doors for students pursuing College Degrees (Batch 22), Master’s studies, Law, and Medicine.
Highlighting the deep personal impact of the financial grant, program alumnus and Batch 14 representative Roger P. Abenido Jr. shared how the provincial support serves as a tool for students to overcome life’s hardships and achieve their dreams.
“As a scholar of Kabugwason-Paglaum, my advice sa mga new scholars is to really focus sa inyo studies—to take it very seriously because life is not that easy. There are a lot of challenges to solve, so take it as an opportunity to learn, to grow, and to be a good example of this new generation,” Abenido stressed.
For many local households facing rising tuition fees and living costs, the provincial initiative bridges the gap toward academic success while building a homegrown pipeline of future doctors, lawyers, and community leaders.
South Cotabato Vice Governor Arthur Y. Pingoy Jr., congratulated the scholars and their parents for becoming part of the program, emphasizing the importance of maximizing the opportunity given to them.
“Let me congratulate the students and ang mga parents naton nga naka-avail sang aton scholarship program. Indi tanan may matawag nga pareho sini nga chance tungod sa limited budget, pero gusto naton nga makuha ninyo kag ma-maximize ang opportunity nga ini,” Pingoy said.
Reinforcing the long-term community impact, PSGIAC Chairperson and Business Sector Representative Carlito Y. Uy challenged the scholars to turn their provincial aid into local civic service.
“This is one of the important chapters of your book. Make this opportunity meaningful by doing your best in your studies and by preparing yourselves to give back to the community someday,” Uy emphasized.
The orientation aimed to familiarize the scholars with the program’s policies, responsibilities, benefits, and expectations as beneficiaries of the provincial government’s education assistance.
The MOA signing formally signifies the scholars’ commitment to fulfill their responsibilities while receiving support from the provincial government as they pursue their chosen academic and professional paths.
