Apayao State College and the Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) established a partnership with the
signing of a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) that grants a scholarship program for the Dependents
of Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries (DARBs) in Apayao.
The MOA signing was led by ASC President John N. Cabansag and DAR-Central Office Scholarship
Coordinator Cynthia Bunyi, representing DAR Secretary Conrado Estrella III. The engagement was
witnessed by DAR Administrative Officer (CAO) Ednalyn G. Salazar, DAR-Apayao, and ASC Officials on
November 23, 2023, at ASC Luna Campus.
The scholarship program provides one qualified dependent of an ARB the opportunity to study and
complete an agriculture-related or a 4-year college degree with financial support from the Department
of Agrarian Reform (DAR) under a competitive screening system.
Qualified students for the scholarship program are Elliza Mae A. Garcia, 2nd year BSABE, Benny Alipay II,
2nd year BSABE, and Novelyn R. Alvior, 2nd year BS Agriculture-Animal Science.
“You are blessed. Marami ang naghahangad pero hindi lahat ay pinapalad. Maintain and manifest
excellent standing to uphold this scholarship, don’t lose the privilege, malaking tulong ito sa inyong mga
magulang”, Evelyn P. Alvarez, the Director for Student Affairs addressed the grantees in her welcome
remarks.
The orientation on DAR’s scholarship program was discussed by Cynthia Bunyi. She explained clearly the
revised guidelines, documentary requirements, the responsibilities of scholars, and the financial benefits
that await them. The scholars are entitled to receive Php22K per semester inclusive of a monthly stipend
(3k), allowances for books (2K), transportation (500), lodging (500), graduation fee (5K), thesis support
(10K-if applicable), and summer class (5k).
As one of the priority agenda, Bunyi said the DSP-ARBs started in 2016 with the first batch having only
two graduates out of four followed by the second batch with 26 graduates out of 33. To date, there are
50 scholars hailing from different partner SUCs including ASC.
In his message, President John N. Cabansag thanked DAR for helping students pursue their degree in
Agriculture and likewise thanked the parents for entrusting their children to ASC. He further encouraged
the student grantees to maintain the scholarship by continuing to perform well in their academics until
completion and eventually pass their licensure examinations to be gainfully employed.
DAR-CAO Ednalyn G. Salazar appealed to the scholars to do their part and recalled being a helper when
she was their age in order to support her studies.
In response, parent-beneficiaries Sandie C. Garcia and Benny N. Aglipay expressed gratitude and vowed
to guide and support their children toward pursuing their chosen fields.
A teary-eyed Chairene C. Cabusi, former DSP-DARBs grantee recounted the days when she began her
scholarship journey as the lone recipient at Mariano Marcos State University where she obtained her
degree in Agricultural and Biosystems Engineer and passed the CSC eligibility using her scholarship
allowance.
“Cherish every moment in this journey, it will have its ups and downs. May your journey as a scholar be
filled with endless inspiration and remarkable success,” she ended.
Philip Constantine L. Mandac, the College Registrar and Scholarship Coordinator in his closing remarks
thanked DAR for the prestigious scholarship and reminded the student-beneficiaries of the meritorious
scholarship they are engaged in.
“We will be keeping in touch with your respective instructors and to update your parents on your
progress, we are here to help you but help yourself first,” Mandac pointed out.
The Orientation and MOA signing was also graced by the presence of Atty. Penelope B. De Ausen
OIC-PARPO II, Yziel Jane P. Camarista, Anabelle T. Valdez, and Algin C. Viernes of DAR-Apayao,
Dr. Rema B. Ocampo, Luna Campus Academic Dean, and BSA/BSABE Department Faculty members.
