TACLOBAN CITY — Highlighting national efforts to expand educational access at the community level, five fourth-year college students from Barangay Suba in Sogod, Southern Leyte, are nearing degree completion through the Bawat Barangay Makikinabang Presidential Scholarship Program of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. The educational grant provides targeted financial aid to qualified students, helping ease the financial burden of their final academic year.
Empowering Students Across Diverse Academic Fields
The five beneficiaries—Maria Elda Binalangbang, Emarnel Odarbe, Neilmatheo Abonita, Jasmin Legaspi, and Niezel Butil—are enrolled across two key higher education institutions in Sogod:
Southern Leyte State University-Main Campus: Binalangbang is taking a Bachelor of Science in Information Technology (Networking), Odarbe is pursuing a Bachelor of Industrial Technology (Electrical Technology), and Abonita is studying BS in Electrical Engineering.
St. Tomas Aquinas College of Sogod: Legaspi is pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration, while Butil is preparing for a career in teaching through a Bachelor of Elementary Education.
Easing Financial Burdens During the Final Stretch
Entering their senior year presents significant financial challenges, including costs for capstone projects, technical equipment, transportation, and daily requirements. The presidential scholarship directly addresses these needs, offering timely support that allows the scholars to focus on academic requirements, complete their thesis defenses, and prepare for board examinations or industry entry without financial strain.
Driving Grassroots Impact and Community Growth
By bringing government assistance straight to the barangay level, the program reflects a broader commitment to long-term human capital development. For the five Suba scholars, the aid serves as both practical support and encouragement to finish their degrees, build sustainable careers, and create better economic opportunities for their families and the wider Sogod community.
