Lingayen – The awarding of scholarship grants to the second and last batch of provincial scholars enrolled at the Pangasinan State University (PSU) held at the Sison Auditorium on February 6 became an avenue for provincial leaders to convey gratitude to the scholars and their parents, and advise them “to respect and protect Pangasinan.”
Governor Amado T. Espino, Jr., Vice Governor Jose Ferdinand Z. Calimlim, Jr. and Board Member and Liga ng mga Barangay Provincial President Amado “Pogi” Espino, III led the awarding of a total of P10 million scholarship grants to over 1,000 PSU students enrolled in Bayambang, Infanta, Binmaley, Alaminos City and Lingayen campuses.
The provincial government released a total of P17.76 million for the scholarship program, benefitting 1,776 PSU students. Last January 30, about 776 provincial scholars from PSU campuses situated in Sta. Maria, Asingan, Urdaneta City and San Carlos City comprised the first batch of scholars.
In his speech, Gov. Espino, underscored that respect reflects modesty; and advised the provincial scholars to keep their morale as students of a state university as he pointed out that they enjoy equal rights and privileges with other students studying in private universities.
The provincial chief executive, however, slammed the infiltration of any form of political manuevering of politicians in a university which, he said, affect the welfare of students.
Meanwhile, Board Member Espino exhorted the provincial scholars to give deeper emphasis for respect, for which, he said, is a gesture to save anything from harm. “If you respect yourself for your future, you also protect your family, your barangay and the province of Pangasinan,” the young Espino said.
Sense of respect, he stressed, is fundamental value that everyone must possess.
Vice Gov. Calimlim, on the other hand, expressed confidence that the provincial scholars will finish college schooling in time for them to pursue their aspirations in life and to help their families.
“Galingan nyo sa inyong pag-aaral nang kayo’y maging success stories ng Pangasinan,” he said.