Allan Dave Patubo of Mariano Marcos State University, College of Industrial Technology, Laoag City campus, will graduate this year as magna cum laude, hence, he expressed gratitude to his benevolent benefactor, the “Iskolar Ni Manang Imee” program of the Provincial Government of Ilocos Norte .
Patubo, together with the 12 cum laude student beneficiaries of the program, is among this year’s 250 Manang Imee scholars from different colleges and universities in the province.
Son of a tricycle driver and a housewife, Patubo 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 the school with only 10 pesos in my pocket. On school contribution fees, I was always one of the last to pay due to lack of money . But I knew those hardships would pay off so I persevered in my studies,” he lamented.
Beforehand, Patubo was able to enroll for the first semester in college using the cash gifts from his high school graduation. He then had no idea how to sustain his studies until one of his teachers recommended him for the “Iskolar Ni Manang Imee” program.
“My parents wanted me to stop in second year college but with the help of “Iskolar ni Manang Imee,” it resolved my school financial woes. The monthly stipends I received were really a big help, thus, I am very much thankful to Governor Imee Marcos for her scholarship program for the poor but deserving students like me.”
Last March 26, 2015, Gov. Marcos led the distribution of stipends to the 250 beneficiaries belonging to both academic and leadership category.
Each scholar received a total of P15,650 per semester for their tuition fee, board and lodging, transportation allowances and other daily expenses.
During the distribution rites, the governor stressed that scholarship assistance should not only be given to students with high grades but also to those who are eager to study with limited fund.
Gov. Marcos said “wherever we may come from, whatever our economic backgrounds are, in the end we can reach victory. You’re an inspiration to all of us, the very best of Ilocos Norte.”
She assured that PGIN will continue focusing on the welfare of the youth and will try its best to help uplift their quality of life.
“It is the beginning for all of us, as one family. Let us continue working together in order to uplift our families and above all, everyone of you would realize the best that you can be, to your fullest potentials in the service of Ilocos Norte,” she ended.(Jennifer T. Pambid, PGIN-CMO)
