Sarangani youth finishes US scholarship program

By Russtum G. Pelima, MA Ed

GENERAL SANTOS CITY (March 10, 2011) – United States’ English Access
Microscholarship Program graduated Wednesday (March 9) 50 poor but
deserving students from Colon and Lumasal high schools in Maasim town.
Two years ago, students from the two high schools were screened by the
province’s Quality Education for Sarangani Today (QUEST) to avail of
the scholarship as one of the initiatives of the United States Embassy
in the Philippines in partnership with Synergeia Foundation.
“What I developed most to myself is my leadership skill because we
were taught and trained all the time to take the lead,” top student
Adrian Ladres said.

Ladres was granted a youth exchange and study program to the U.S. and
met other English access scholars from other countries.

“What I remember most was our barbeque party in San Diego when we had
the chance to meet all our mentors,” Ladres said.

“I still remember how my son dreamed to see the world and suddenly his
dream came true,” Maria Gaudiosa Ladres, mother of Adrian, said.

While Adrian tops the other scholars, his parents were among the
hundreds of fisher folk in one of Maasim’s coastal communities.
“We are so grateful for the U.S. Embassy for
giving this scholarship
to Sarangani children,” Mrs. Ladres said.
“You are 50 among the other English Access scholars from 70 countries
throughout the world,” United States Ambassador to the Philippines
Harry Thomas said in a video message.

“We would like to thank Governor Dominguez, the Sarangani leadership
for helping us find new ways to help,” U.S. Embassy’s Assistant
Cultural Affairs Officer Najlaa Abdus – Samad said.

“I would like to thank the U.S. Embassy, the local officials, and the
Department of Education for partnering with us in this endeavor,”
Synergeia Chief Executive Officer Milwida Guevarra said.

“While you use the future tense, I am using the present tense – we are
very, very proud of you. We see the bright future of Sarangani in
you,” Guevarra told the students.

For his part, Governor Migs Dominguez thanked the Department of
Education and private partners for inspiring the province to do
better.

“We would like to thank the parents who are responsible for making
their children eager to study and dream big,” Dominguez said.
Dominguez asked the students to sign up to continue their scholarship
to college but he himself will strictly monitor the students’
performances to become the best and excellent scholars.

The students received leadership trainings, writing workshops and a
one-hour after class and summer intensive instructions in English for
the two-year program.

“I taught them community service and we did hands on most of the
time,” teacher Harisa Saidina said.

“We see the improvement of the students in general from English usage
to interpersonal relationships,” grammar teacher Victoria But-ay said.
English Access Microscholarship Program also aims to develop the
capability of teachers in using creative pedagogy in teaching English
in regular classes.

QUEST reported improved academic performance of the scholars, enhanced
teaching abilities of teachers, and developed leadership skills and
stronger civic improvement of students. (Russtum G. Pelima/SARANGANI
INFORMATION OFFICE)