Sixty-five scholars from the Philippine Army Finance Center Producers Integrated Cooperative (PAFCPIC) attended the values enrichment session during the distribution of stipend for the first semester of the academic year 2024-2025 on Tuesday morning (August 6) at the Main AVR.
PAFCPIC extends financial assistance to scholars from Tarlac State University who are indigents, indigenous peoples, and persons with disabilities.
According to Ms. Nina Garcia Valentin, Scholarship and Financial Assistance Unit OIC head, the focus of this values enrichment session is to enhance not only the scholars' values but also to strengthen their character and positive attributes. It is also a part of motivating the students to improve their academics.
"Education is the cornerstone of your progress and development. It opens doors for opportunities, broadens our horizons, and empowers us to make meaningful contributions to society. PAFCPIC reaffirms its commitment to prospering educational growth and helping our scholars achieve their dreams," Col. Regidor Dela Cruz, PAFCPIC Board Representative/ Oversight for Scholarship Committee, said in his speech.
"To our scholars, I urge you to make of this opportunity, use this stipend to further your knowledge, explore new ideas, and challenge yourself academically," he added.
Dr. Julius Gamis, Public Schools District Supervisor (PSDS) from the Tarlac City Schools Division Office, served as one of the resource speakers. He shared his struggles as a TSU scholar from 2002 to 2006 while managing his time as a working student.
Dr. Gamis, whose parents are farmers, only eats one meal daily, which he receives from the fast-food chain he used to work for.
The youngest PSDS in Tarlac City also told the students how lucky they are that they do not have to experience juggling work and studies, unlike him, who worked after class from 5:00 PM to 2:00 AM and then spent an hour doing requirements. According to him, he only gets two hours of sleep before going to class.
“Naramdaman ko po kasi 'yung [genuine] response ng parents ko nung sinabi kong gusto kong mag-aral. Pero ang sinabi nila sa akin ay, ‘Wala tayong pera, anak. Dito ka na lang.' So sabi ko sa isip ko na lalaki ako na nagtatanim lang ng palay. Hindi pwedeng lalaki ako na nagtatanggal ng tinabas na tubo doon sa truck. Na-try ko po lahat 'yung mga 'yon para lang magkaroon ng allowance,” Dr. Gamis told the scholars.
Dr. Gamis shared that he only had one school uniform from his classmate's brother and that he needed to wash it every midnight after his shift.
After four years, he graduated cum laude and surprised his parents about his achievement. Now, he gets to share with his colleagues how he maintained and achieved excellence in everything he does.
Moreover, he reminded the scholars to plan their lives and make a guide or outline after they graduate.
Meanwhile, Mr. Jon-Ville Caliboso from the Office of Human Resource Development and Management tacked character, virtue, and strength topics.
“Ang pag-aaral sa kolehiyo ay isang pribelehiyo lalo na kung kayo ay nag-aaral sa state universities and colleges at may free tuition fee pa po kayo. Now, you are double privileged. Why? Because you are still receiving a double financial assistance (through a) scholarship that only a few receives. You should be thankful because of that," he said. (jlmm-OPA)
Photo by Jodie Andrea G. Pangilinan
