The Catanduanes Medicine and Law Scholarship and Return Service Program (CMLSRSP) welcomed its biggest batch of scholars to date, awarding full scholarships to 23 aspiring professionals during the Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) Signing and Presentation of Participants on June 27, at the Provincial Capitol Lobby.

Among the new grantees are 15 Doctor of Medicine scholars and 8 Juris Doctor scholars. Some attended the ceremony in person, while others joined virtually, along with their parents, CMLSRSP Board Members, the Technical Working Committee, and CMLSRSP Chairman, Governor Joseph C. Cua.

In his message, Governor Cua emphasized the power of education to change lives and make dreams a reality—highlighting the inspiring stories of a tricycle driver’s daughter and a government worker’s daughter, now both preparing to take the Bar exams with the help of the program.

Addressing the scholars, he reminded: “You have been given a privilege that no other Catandunganon has. Do not waste this opportunity. Pag kamo nasasakitan sa pagmemorize, pag basa, asin sa saindong mga exams, remember that ‘To struggle in your studies is also a privilege.’ Dai pagsayangun.” He further encouraged them to give back: “Pag kamo abogado na asin doctor, hinguhahon na magtabang man sa mga kapwa niato Catandunganon.”

“Darhon an batas asin an programa sa salud, sa mga komunidad na kaipuhan talaga nin tabang,” he added, urging the scholars to stay grounded in service.

As Catanduanes continues to invest in its future lawyers and doctors, the provincial government reaffirms its commitment to inclusive, life-changing education that empowers individuals and uplifts communities for generations to come.