The scholarship program of the Provincial Government of Laguna (PGL) continuously ensures access to proper education for less privileged but deserving students after its institutionalization through Resolution No. 719, S.2021, also known as, “A Resolution Approving Ordinance No. 14, S. 2021: “An Ordinance Institutionalizing the Scholarship Program of Laguna to be Known as “Iskolar ng Laguna,” providing policy guidelines for the availment thereof, and appropriating funds therefor.”
The COVID-19 pandemic provides more challenges for the implementation of the program after face-to-face transactions became prohibited to contain the spread of COVID-19. But this doesn’t stop the Provincial Government of Laguna from providing basic service to its people, particularly to students, who have been drastically affected by the situation.
The pandemic serves as an avenue to elevate the services catered to the public by implementing the Iskolar Information System (IIS). This system serves as the course of action and a helpful tool for carrying out the scholarship program of the province, which is one of the priority programs of Governor Ramil L. Hernandez.
Prior to pandemic, the scholar coordinators spend weeks to
collect and validate necessary documents. But through the system, the students were able to submit digital document requirements instead of presenting the required documents physically, which will protect both the students and employees without the circumference of an accurate and organized process. Affirming its effectiveness, the DICT, NICP, and the DILG conferred the Digital Governance Awards 2020: Best in Customer Empowerment (Champion, Provincial Level) to the Provincial Government of Laguna.
Aside from launching the information system, Gov. Hernandez allocated P200 million to benefit 20,000 scholars for Academic Year (AY) 2021-2022 after numerous students halted their education due to financial constraints.
From 9,927 actual beneficiaries in AY 2020-2021, the number rose to 19,709 actual beneficiaries in 2021-2022. From the latter’s figure, 3,990 scholars graduated in 2022.
Further, PGL launched the online qualifying examination. Highlighting the need to continuously provide financial assistance, the currently ongoing examination has been offered to more than 30,000 aspirants who applied for the scholarship for Academic Year 2023-2024.
Under the leadership of Gov. Hernandez, PGL is committed to producing more professionals providing a brighter future, not only for the scholars but also for the province and the nation as well.
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