NAAWAN, Misamis Oriental (PIA)–Thirteen Bachelor of Science in Fisheries students from the Mindanao State University of Naawan (MSU-Naawan) earned their college degrees through the help of the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR)-10 Fisheries Scholarship Program (FSP), July 18.
Out of the 13 fisheries scholars, four Latin honors graduated as cum laude and will receive P20,000 as an incentive from the bureau for their excellent academic performances, namely; Franzel May Balagtas, Cheeny Honcada, Kathleen Candole, and Rodielyn Pulot.
In a celebratory luncheon, some of the graduates and their proud parents were given time to express gratitude and reiterate their stories as receivers of the government’s scholastic intervention in the fisheries sector.
“We were beyond grateful for BFAR’s help to us. We all know how hard it is to let our children finish college, the fact that we knew that we can’t support them financially. BFAR’s scholarship program is every fisherfolk parents’ answered prayer in giving our children a successful future – the future that they deserve,” shared one of the scholars’ parents, Alice Honcada.
On the other hand, Cheeny Honcada, Alice’s daughter, revealed that through BFAR’s support, hard work, and perseverance, she was not just the one who was able to finish her studies but also her sibling.
“With the different scholarship perks that BFAR poured out to us and the government’s stipend I received, I have the luxury to support my own studies and my sibling’s. So, it is a super win not just for me, but for my whole family,” said Cheeny.
Meanwhile, BFAR-10’s Finance and Administrative Division (FAD) OIC Edward Yasay, encouraged the graduates to keep pursuing their dreams in the path they choose to take.
“As scholars of the people, the bureau is hoping that you will take part in nation building, especially in attaining food security for every Filipino in whatever endeavor you will pursue,” he shared.
To add, Regional Fisheries Scholarship Coordinator Kristine Galarrita, underscored that all-in-all, 82 college students successfully attained their degrees through BFAR’s FSP for the academic year 2021-2022 in different institutions all throughout the region.
Moreover, MSU-Naawan’s 34th commencement exercise class valedictorian who finished as magna cum laude and a proud fisherfolk’s daughter, Edeth Novia Tubal, is also an FSP beneficiary of BFAR-CARAGA. (BFAR-10/PIA-10/Misamis Oriental)
