By Joshua Sugay

 

CALAPAN CITY, Oriental Mindoro, Philippines — Qualified coconut farmers and their dependents in MIMAROPA may apply for financial assistance to pursue college education under the Scholarship Program for Coconut Farmers and Their Families also known as “CoScho.”

According to Commission on Higher Education (CHED) MIMAROPA Regional Director Edna Imelda F. Legazpi, the program provides qualified scholars with a stipend of ₱80,000 per academic year to help cover the cost of higher education.

As of Nov. 4, the program had 257 beneficiaries in the entire region.

“Ito po ay isang programa para sa qualified registered farmers sa National Coconut Farmers Registry System (NCFRS). Kung ikaw ay coconut farmer at may gustong paaralin sa college, p’wede po silang ipasok d’yan. Mayroon po silang ₱80,000 per year na stipend,” Legazpi said during the Arangkada MIMAROPA program of the Philippine Information Agency (PIA) MIMAROPA and Radyo Pilipinas-Palawan on Wednesday’s episode, Nov. 4.

Implemented in partnership with the Philippine Coconut Authority (PCA), CoScho provides financial assistance to qualified coconut farmers registered in the NCFRS and their dependents who wish to earn a college degree.

Legazpi said applicants must meet the program’s academic requirements and enroll in eligible priority courses to qualify for scholarship slots.

“May mine-maintain na grade at may priority courses na kailangang apply-an. Sa mga scholarship program na ito, may mga programang dapat nilang i-enroll para magkaroon sila ng mas malaking chance na makakuha ng slot sa grant,” she added.

The CoScho program aims to expand access to higher education for coconut farmers’ families by easing the financial burden of sending their children or dependents to college. Interested applicants may coordinate with CHED MIMAROPA or the PCA MIMAROPA for details on the application process, eligibility and documentary requirements, and the list of eligible degree programs. (JJGS/AS/PIA MIMAROPA-Oriental Mindoro)