BACOLOD CITY — The provincial government of Negros Occidental signed a memorandum of agreement with VMA Global College and Training Centers Inc. and its partners for a six-month scholarship grant for 13 maritime students.
Negros Occidental Scholarship Program Division head Karen Dinsay said on Tuesday the scholarship grant is worth PHP2.3 million.
The signing rites, held at the Provincial Capitol here Monday, was led by Governor Alfredo Marañon Jr., VMA Global College President John Orola, Phoenix Maritime Corp. General Manager Lucas Jacinto, Leonis Navigation Co. Inc. Director Ronnie Tagat, and Island Overseas Transport Corp. Manning Department chief Lorenzo Araneta.
The 13 Negrense scholars, who are already mechanical engineers, will avail of the scholarship grant under the “Study Now, Pay Later” Bridging Program of the Negros Occidental Scholarship Program to be able to work in the maritime industry.
This is an opportunity for them to become chief engineers and earn a bigger income to help their families, the governor said at the signing ceremony, which was witnessed by Dinsay and Elizabeth Salabas, chairman of the VMA Global College Board of Trustees.
The scholars were Larry Flor Jr., Carlo Miguel Magallanes, Keenith Estoza, Joelex Christian Geronaga, Reymond Colacion, Marc Anthony Dolendo, Jefferson Tenebro, Greg Huervas, Franz Andi Tumbos, Ross Flores, Marvin Cloyd Rosal, Raymund Entierro, and Jastin Corridor.
After a six-month study at VMA Global College, they will earn a bachelor’s degree in Marine Engineering.
It will be followed by a two-month apprenticeship in their respective sponsoring maritime companies. (PNA)
