Priority courses scholarship and return of service program opens doors for students

By Nimfa Estrellado Governor Angelina "Helen| Tan with the first 16 scholars of the Priority Courses Scholarship and Return of Service ...

By Nimfa Estrellado

Governor Angelina "Helen| Tan with the first 16 scholars of the Priority Courses Scholarship and Return of Service Program at the Provincial Capitol in Lucena City on Wednesday, January 22. (Quezon PIO)

LUCENA CITY, Quezon - A new scholarship program is opening doors for local students, providing them with the opportunity to pursue higher education and contribute to their community's well-being. Sixteen promising students were celebrated on Wednesday, January 22 as the first recipients of the Priority Courses Scholarship and Return of Service Program in Quezon Province. This initiative, spearheaded by Governor Angelina "Helen" Tan, aims to nurture local talent and address critical needs within the province by supporting students pursuing higher education in specific fields.

The scholarship program, a key part of the governor's broader HEALING Agenda, provides full financial support, including tuition, books, living expenses, and transportation, to students enrolled in priority courses. These courses include Doctor of Medicine, BS Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering, BS Medical Technology/Medical Laboratory Science, BS Midwifery, BS Nutrition and Dietetics, BS Pharmacy, BS Radiologic Technology, BS Respiratory Therapy, BS Social Work, Special Needs Education, and BS Food Technology. These fields were specifically selected based on the province's current and projected needs for skilled professionals.



In exchange for this comprehensive support, scholars commit to serving the province after graduation by working in their respective fields within Quezon. This "return of service" component ensures that the investment in education directly benefits the local community by addressing potential shortages in critical sectors and improving public service delivery. The duration of the return service will be proportional to the length of the scholarship support received. For example, if a student receives funding for four years of medical school, they will be expected to serve in a public health facility within Quezon Province for a set number of years after becoming a licensed physician.

The program launch event highlighted the importance of education in building a brighter future for Quezon Province. By supporting students in these crucial fields, the initiative aims to strengthen healthcare, agriculture, and social services within the region. The scholars, representing a diverse range of academic pursuits, embody the province's commitment to nurturing homegrown talent and fostering a thriving future for its residents.

Governor Tan emphasized that this program is not just about financial aid; it's about investing in the human capital of Quezon Province. "We believe that by providing our young people with the opportunity to pursue higher education, we are empowering them to become agents of positive change and contribute to the overall development of our beloved province," she stated. The program is expected to expand in the coming years, with the goal of supporting even more students and further diversifying the fields of study.

To ensure the success of the program, the provincial government is collaborating with various educational institutions and government agencies. This collaboration will facilitate the scholars' integration into the workforce after graduation and provide them with opportunities for professional development and mentorship. The program also includes a monitoring and evaluation component to track the scholars' progress and assess the program's impact on the province's development goals.