TCC Grants 15 Scholarships; Beneficiaries Raises Php150K

Report By: Marben Orfiano, Trustee, TCC

Benguet, Philippines- The Cordillera Connection (TCC), realising two of its charitable objectives, the advancement of education and the alleviation of poverty, has granted scholarships for 15 academically excelling students at Benguet State University (BSU) for School Year 2013-14.

Launching its first scholarship program, TCC received 31 applications of students from various academic fields. The online application form on TCC’s website made it easy for students to get access to the scholarship program. The main criteria of selection include grades, level of financial need, and community socio-civic involvement of applicants. Originally, 6 scholarship slots have been made available based on the budget allocated by TCC. The top eleven (11) applicants have been shortlisted by TCC trustees and coordinators based abroad for interview to come up with the final 6. The selection of the 6 scholars have been so difficult as applicants have really shown their worth but in need of financial assistance to finish their studies and be able to help their families.
Fortunately, TCC-Australia Coordinator Vicky Montes has offered to sponsor one applicant on top of the 6 scholarship grants from TCC’s budget. More dramatic news came up when TCC/ TCBCI-Philippines Chairperson, Gregorio Taag, went on his way and called out for support from the public. Some of his friends then responded and committed to sponsor the other four (4) remaining shortlisted applicants, making the TCC scholarships grant to 11.

Surprisingly, additional slots popped out when, Cynthia Marcos and Nova Atuban, two of TCC-UK’s Trustees, came forward to support 4 more scholars. As a result, four (4) applicants have been selected and be included in the scholarship program, making TCC’s first fifteen (15) scholars.
The academically excelling students, who were able to prove their worth of receiving scholarships grant, are the following:
1. Melanie Catuday- Last Grade: 2.25= 84-86, BS Applied Statistics 3; Dolores, Eastern Samar
2. Paulyn Ann Pucay Fancote- Last Grade: 1.96= 90-92, BS Secondary Education, Valenzuela, Manila
3. Nimfa Sinosa- Last Grade: 2.0= 87-89, BS Secondary Education 3; Tublay, Benguet
4. Rosemarie Viacrucis- Last Grade: 2.0= 87-89, BS Information Tech 3; La Trinidad, Benguet
5. Cyril Jane Bengado Olsim- Last Grade: 1.75-=90-92, BS Secondary Education 2; Buguias, Benguet
6. Fatilyn L. Bay-an- Last Grade: 1.75=90-92, B Library and Information Science; Kapangan, Benguet
7. Rhealyn Alinso- Last Grade: 1.75-=90-92, BS Information Technology 1; Bakun, Benguet
8. Joe Valerie Cosalan- Last Grade: 2.0= 87-89, BS Secondary Education 3; Tuba, Benguet
9. Mikaela Cardenas- Last Grade: 2.25=84-86, BS Information Technology 1; Bauko/ Tadian, Mt Province
10. Chlarence Jude Ventura- Last Grade: 1.75-=90-92, BS Agriculture 2; La Trinidad Benguet
11. Dimpol A. Lamaton- Last Grade: 1.75-=90-92, BS Elementary Education 2; Barlig, Mt Province
12. Fredalyn Bastian- Last Grade: 1.75-=90-92, BS Education 3, La Trinidad, Benguet
13. Angel Sorano- Last Grade: 1.75-=90-92, BS Nutrition and Dietetics 1, Tublay, Benguet

14. Raymond Tambogon- Last Grade: 2.25=84-86, BS Agricultural Engineering, Binalonan, Pangasinan

15. Romeo Sukaw Jr- Last Grade: 2.0=87-89, BSin Agriculture, Itogon, Benguet

The panel who served to shortlist the applicants include: TCC-UK Trustees Judith Angog and Cynthia Marcos,  TCC-UK Volunteer Graham Maysano, TCC-TCBCI Coordinator Rhea Panawan, TCC-Canada Coordinator Irene Langawan Thomas, and TCC-Australia Coordinator Victoria Montes Bay-an. The interview and assessment of applicants were done by TCC-Philippines Chairperson, Gregorio Taag.

Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) between TCC and BSU is on process in order to secure partnership in looking after the scholars. TCC will pay directly to the school the full tuition fees of its scholars. The studes have been oriented on the history and background of TCC and are encouraged to participate in its socio-civic activities.

Another remarkable project of TCC this year is its Binnadangan Cultural Festival thru its 2nd Battle of the Bands, Concert for Life 7 held last November 9 at the La Trinidad Municipal Gym. Nine (9) Bands competed and exhibited their musical talents in composing TCC’s theme song. This event has supported more than 30 ill-patients who have been TCC’s long-time beneficiaries. From the Php35,000 budget for the event, beneficiaries were able to raise more than Php150,000. This has once more proved that this approach is helpful to our beneficiaries as well as providing a venue to realise one of our objectives, the advancement of culture, arts and heritage.

The funding for both scholarship program and battle-of-the-bands came from the proceeds of TCC’s Pinoy Night Fundraising event in Marian Community Centre, Kilburn, London last September 28. Thanks to all who supported the event.