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(Aboe): RD Diokno during the SGP-PA orientation with the grantees and VSU admin and staff. (Below): Grantees pose with the implementers for a souvenir after the short program last July 6, 2012 at the VSU Students' Center.The Visayas State University (VSU) warmly welcomed 20 scholars of the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (Pantawid Pamilya) Student’s Grant-In –Aid Program for Poverty Alleviation (SGP-PA) of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) through a short program last July 6, 2012, at the Students’ Center of VSU, Baybay, Leyte. The scholars come from the different municipalities of the region.

The said program was graced by the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Regional Director, Leticia Diokno who also oriented the grantees, the VSU administration, faculty and staff on the SGP-PA program. In her message, Diokno emphasized the convergence effort to make this extension program for poverty alleviation a success. She also shared inspiring thoughts for the grantees to get motivated in pursuing their studies, as the DSWD and VSU will be give support and guidance all the way to success.

VSU President Dr. Jose Bacusmo expressed gratitude and support to the program. He stressed that their business is changing lives and that they are willing to stand by the scholars along their journey for a better life. VSU has also prepared a Catch-Up Plan for the grantees since they are already a month behind their classes.

In region 8, there are only two identified School Universities and Colleges accredited to SGP-PA – VSU and Leyte Normal University (LNU). The grantees were identified through a validation process conducted by the DSWD which is taken from the potential list forwarded from the national level.

As of July 6, 2012, LNU has already 180 enrolees of SGP-PA grantees. Two orientations has also been conducted to provide guidance to the grantees.

The SGP-PA as an extension program for the Pantawid Pamilya beneficiaries is in partnership with the Commission On Higher Education (CHED) and the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE). Its goal is to contribute to poverty alleviation through increase in the number of graduates in higher education among poor households and the number of graduates employed in high value-added occupations.

The grantees will be enrolled in state universities and colleges which will be supported by the program to guarantee the completion of their studies. They will be supported entry to labor markets through placement assistance, once they graduate.