Negros Occ governor urges IP scholars to stay focused

By Dolly Yasa

BACOLOD CITY — Negros Occidental Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson urged young Indigenous Peoples (IP) scholars to remain focused on their education.

“I believe in their strength and potential,” Lacson said.

He added that with the right support and opportunities, they can achieve their dreams and uplift their communities.

Lacson led the distribution of educational assistance worth PHP1.1 million to 166 IP students from the towns of Isabela, Binalbagan, and Himamaylan City on Tuesday.

Each beneficiary — composed of elementary and high school students — received PHP6,750 to cover school allowances for nine months.

The financial support is part of the Educational Assistance for IP’s Basic Education (EAIBE) program, a special scholarship category managed by the Negros Occidental Scholarship Program Division (NOSPD).

The distribution ceremonies were held in the respective local government units and were attended by Fifth District Board Member Rita Gatuslao, chair of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan Committee on Education; Isabela Mayor Miguel Yulo and Vice Mayor Renato Malabor Jr.; Binalbagan Mayor Emmanuel Aranda; NOSPD Head Karen Dinsay; Milina Jeruta of the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP)–Negros Occidental; and Ati leader Teresita Sinceda, among others.