Tarlac State University through the Scholarship and Financial Assistance Unit (SFAU) awarded electronic learning gadgets and stipend to its first batch of PAFCPIC (Philippine Army Finance Center Producers Integrated Cooperative) scholars on December 27, 2021 at the Student Center Building of the Lucinda Campus.
The first batch is composed of 27 students who received allowance for books and materials, food, transportation, board and lodging, uniform, and internet expenses. They were accompanied by their parents/guardians.
“Pinagpala po kayo. Sa dami ng estudyante – ang estudyante po natin ay around 20,000, napili po kayo. Kaya, ito po talaga ay blessing. Huwag po nating kalimutan magbigay ng pasasalamat at pagpugay sa ating Maykapal,” TSU president Dr. Myrna Q. Mallari said in her welcoming message.
Angielyn Capiral, one of the beneficiaries who is a member of the Abelling Tribe – an Indigenous group from San Jose, Tarlac, shared in an interview with the Office of Public Affairs that she is thankful for this opportunity.
“Nagpapasalamat po ako kay God dahil ginamit niya pong instrumento [ang PAFCPIC at TSU] para matulungan po kami,” she said.
The same sentiments were echoed by her mother.
“Masayang-masaya po ako dahil merong tumutulong sa anak ko. Biyuda na po ako at nahihirapang magpaaral sa mga anak ko lalo na bundok doon sa amin. Kailangan pa magbayad ng boarding [house] kung dito. Kaya napakalaki po ng aking pasasalamat,” said Leonida Capiral.
During the event, SFAU head Dr. Elsie M. Canlas also conducted a short orientation regarding the scholarship program where she discussed the benefits and conditions of the grant. She also encouraged the students to not only maintain the grade requirement but also to go above and beyond and aim to graduate with honors.
In his closing remarks, Student Affairs Services director Prof. Gherold C. Benitez further encouraged the students to study hard.
“Ibinigay na sa inyo ng gobyerno ng libre ang edukasyon. May mga taong ganito pa [tulad ng] PAFCPIC na nagbibigay ng allowance at may gadget pa! Kaya po nakikiusap po ako sa ating mga estudyante na magtapos po kayo,” he said.
The PAFCPIC is a multi-awarded cooperative organized by the retired military personnel of the Armed Forces of the Philippines. This scholarship program for Indigenous peoples (IP), persons with disabilities (PWDs), and indigents has been granted through a memorandum of agreement with TSU signed in a virtual ceremony last November 9, 2021 via Zoom.
Claiming of stipend and learning gadget is until today, December 29 (Wednesday), following the schedule released by the SFAU.
