In celebration of CHED’s 27^th Founding Anniversary (May 17) and 1^st National Higher Education Day (May 18), CHED Region-I paid tribute to 10 exemplary SUC graduates in Region I during the “Padyak Pagkilala: Gawad Parangal sa Natatanging Mag-aaral” which was held at DMMMSU’s International Convention Center on May 18, 2021. These 10 outstanding graduates are grantees of CHED Student Financial Assistance Program, Tertiary Education Subsidy (TES), and Expanded Student Grants-in-aid Program for Poverty Alleviation (ESGP-PA).

They were recognized for their academic achievements, laudable performance and leadership, and resilience despite financial difficulties as they finished their college degrees. These 10 awardees were selected from among almost 100 grantees who submitted their inspiring stories for CHED Region-1.

Five among the 10 awardees are alumni of DMMMSU, namely:

1. Jomar R. Fabros, Full Merit CHED Scholar and Tertiary Education Subsidy Grantee. He finished BA Agriculture at DMMMSU-SLUC as Cum Laude.
2. Mary Z. Campos, Free Tuition Higher Education Grantee and Tulong Dunong Program Grantee. She finished BEEd-Special Education at DMMMSU-SLUC.
3. Mia Rosely B. Crisostomo, Expanded Students Grants-in-Aid Program for Poverty Alleviation Grantee. She Finished BS Information Systems at DMMMSU-NLUC.
4. John Michael D. Baustista, Tertiary Education Subsidy Grantee. He Finished BS Information Systems in DMMMSU-NLUC.
5. Ace T. Ceremonia, Full Merit CHED Scholar. He finished BS Industrial Education as Magna Cum Laude at DMMMSU-MLUC.

The other five are the following:

1. Jonathan B. Agullana, Tertiary Education Subsidy Grantee. He finished BEE as Summa Cum Laude at Data Center College of the Philippines, Laoag City.
2. Giovani V. Valdez, Expanded Students Grants-in-Aid Program for Poverty Alleviation Grantee. He finished AB Political Science at North Luzon Philippines State College, Candon City.
3. Mark Lourence C. Martinez, Expanded Students Grants-in-Aid Program for Poverty Alleviation Grantee. He finished AB Communication at Mariano Marcos State University.
4. Ryan Roi B. Domingo, Free Higher Education Grantee. He finished BA English Language as Magna Cum Lauded at Mariano Marcos State University.
5. Michelle G. Fornis, Tulong Dunong Program Grantee. She Finished BSBA Marketing Management at University of Pangasinan.

The awarding ceremony was streamed live via CHED-R1’s Facebook Page. Awardees who were not able to attend in the onsite awarding ceremony received their awards virtually. Before each awardee was called on the stage, each of their video recorded inspiring testimonies was shown, putting the audience into tears.

Each of the awardees received a medal and a carabao trophy with their name inscribed on it. During his welcome message, Dr. Rogelio T. Galera, Jr. explained that “the carabao symbolizes the role the Commission takes on in advancing the students closer to their dreams. The students are the farmers who work hand in hand with their dependable farm companions as they plant their dreams, survive the seasons, and the reap the fruits of their labor.” He further encouraged them to keep their passion burning as they continue to succeed in life.

In his message, Dr. Jaime I. Manuel, Jr., referred to the awardees as “the embodiment of students who persevered, excelled and succeeded, and who represent the best, the brightest, and the finest among all students in the region”.

The compelling testimonies of these 10 awardees are published in CHED-R1’s “Sirib ken Regta” (Sigasig at Galing) maiden issue. (Ayu)