LINGAYEN – Board Member and Liga ng mga Barangay Provincial President Amado “Pogi” Espino, III has called on the Pangasinan youth to cherish and respect their roots, emphasizing the importance of a sense of identity as they chart the future in relation to their personal needs, their families and their province.
Espino III made the exhortation during the post-Christmas party of the Pangasinan Provincial scholars held at the Narciso Ramos Sports and Civic Center (NRSCC) on December 29.
“Don’t forget who you are, where you came from and where you belong,” BM Espino told the PSU scholars, adding that the “warm reception accorded the cultural-consciousness movement under I Love Pangasinan, is an indication that we are helping mold the young in the right direction, where they can more positively help lead the province and its people toward advancement.”
He recalled his own development in his growing up years, when his parents led by his father, Gov. Amado T. Espino, Jr., had early on inculcated fine family values which have become his foundation and guide as he pursued his career in public service.
“Patunayan nyo na kayo na bukod-tangi ay kaya nyong bitbitin ang inyong mga pamilya,” noting that the scholarship they enjoyed was “an excellent beginning from which they can build upon in the future, for the good of their families and communities.”
Provincial scholars from PSU campuses in Alaminos City, Asingan, Bayambang, Binmaley, Infanta, Lingayen, San Carlos City, Sta. Maria and Urdaneta City joined BM “Pogi” Espino III in sharing the food and the merriment during the party.
Under the administration of Governor Espino, Jr. the provincial government human capital formation program supports a total of 2,300 college scholars, as follows: Pangasinan Provincial Scholarship Assistance Program (PPSAP) scholarship grantees which includes 415 academic scholars, 60 Commission on Indigenous People (NCIP) scholars, and 23 Federation of Pangasinan Muslim Association (FPMA) scholars; 1,249 Provincial Scholars enrolled at the Pangasinan State University (PSU); 22 Technical-Vocational scholars by Provincial Employment Services Office (PESO), 10 Takayan na Dayew scholars; and 521 grantees of the joint scholarship program of Governor Espino and Congressman Jesus “Boying” Celeste.
In addition, the Provincial Training and Development Center (PTDC) has so far disbursed a total of Php22.59 million for its college scholarship assistance programs.
On hand for support to the provincial scholars’ get together were: Provincial Board Secretary Verna Perez; Dr. Eusebio Miclat, Consultant In-charge for Provincial Scholars; and Dr. Simeon Cabansag, former executive director of PSU Sta Maria.
/Mark Gerry Naval Oblanca