Tarlac State University's Scholarship and Financial Assistance Unit recognized its notable scholars during the 1st Gawad Parangal 2024 on Saturday afternoon (October 19), held at the Priscilla Hall of the TSU Hotel, Lucinda Campus.
Themed "Husay ng Natatanging Iskolar, Iskolar na Mapagmahal sa Bayan," the event aims to highlight the contributions of scholarship benefactors and providers and recognize scholars who graduated with Latin honors, received awards, and excelled academically.
Vice President for Academic Affairs Dr. Agnes M. Macaraeg told the scholars to grab the opportunities given by benefactors and be grateful.
In return, scholars should also pay it forward by helping their own families.
Dr. Lora L. Yusi, CHEDRO III director, and the invited keynote speaker, boosted the scholars' self-esteem in a speech delivered by her representative, Ms. Jeanetthe Dungca Medina.
"You are not just scholars. You are innovators and change makers. You are 'natatanging scholars' kasi meron kayong pagmamahal sa bayan, hindi lang sa sarili," Ms. Jeanette Dungca Medina read.
Tarlac Second District Representative Christian Tell Yap graced the event and assured the students that they could land jobs in the government sector. He also urged the students to pursue further studies even after graduating.
"Me, as your congressman, kung talagang desidido kayo, I can recommend sa ating mga national government agencies (to provide employment). Marami akong natutulungan sa mga national agencies dahil naniniwala akong kapag natulungan ko ang mga Tarlaqueño na umangat sa gobyerno, tutulungan niyo rin ang mga kapwa Tarlaqueño," Rep. Yap said in his speech.
Present at the event are Col. Regidor Dela Cruz (RET), Scholarship Committee representative/director of the PAFCPIC (Philippine Army Finance Center Producers Integrated Cooperative), Ms. Karen Danez, DOST Tarlac provincial director, and Mr. James Dela Fuente.
Moreover, Ivan Dizon, BSBA Marketing summa cum laude graduate from batch 2024, former PAFCPIC scholar, and now a lecturer at the College of Business and Accountancy, said PAFCPIC allowed him to "break the cycle of poverty" after experiencing financial struggles and living alone while sending himself to school since high school.
"Degree holder na po kami at saludo po kami sa inyo (scholarship providers). Now, I understand the value of corporate social responsibility," Dizon said.
TSU Alumni Association President and Alumni Regent Hon. Reynaldo L. Catacutan was represented by Dr. Jasper Jay N. Mendoza, College of Education dean and Tarlac Masikhay Knights Eagles Club president. The TSUAAI and TMKEC are both scholarship benefactors.
Meanwhile, the Scholarship Unit also lauded and gave a commendation award to Dr. Elsie M. Canlas, former SFAU head.
Dr. Canlas, who retired in January 2024, served under the Scholarship Unit for 38 years.
"Hindi ko po akalain na magre-retire na pala ako kasi hindi naman po ako na-burnout dahil sa mga scholars. Maraming salamat po sa TSU mula sa mga naging past presidents at officials. Sa mga scholars, lagi ninyong tatandaan na may mga tumulong sa inyo sa kung ano mang mararating pa ninyo at ng inyong pamilya. 'Wag kakalimutan ang salitang 'salamat,'" Dr. Canlas said. (jlmm-OPA)
Photos: Eduardo F. Laxamana Jr., Rafael Joaquin K. Flores
