22 Mindanao-based schools feted for providing educational support to dependents of slain troops

From the Philippine News Agency (Nov 26): 22 Mindanao-based schools feted for providing educational support to dependents of slain troops

Twenty-two colleges and universities in Mindanao received the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP)'s accolades and warmest thanks for providing educational support to dependents of soldiers killed in action.

Awarding took place Nov. 25 in Davao City, AFP public affairs office chief Col. Edgard Arevalo said Saturday.

“The awardees are among the academic institutions that provide free education or tuition fee discounts to dependents of our soldiers, particularly those battle casualties or died in line of duty,” he added.

The schools which include four state universities in Mindanao were recognized during the Stakeholders Recognition Ceremony at the Royal Mandaya Hotel in Davao City.

The AFP Educational Benefit System Office (EBSO), headed by Cmdr. Dwight Steven M. Dulnoan. spearheaded the activity while AFP Eastern Mindanao Command head Lt. Gen. Reynaldo B. Guerrero was present as the guest-of-honor and speaker.

The AFP EBSO also awarded 14 of its scholars for their outstanding academic and extra-curricular achievements in the past school year. The student awardees came from Zamboanga, Bukidnon, Butuan, and Davao.

“Most of our scholars in EBSO are dependents of soldiers who were killed during military operations. Helping them through educational support is the least we can do to repay the ultimate sacrifice their fathers did to protect our country,” Dulnoan said.

Currently, there are 1,282 EBSO Scholars in Mindanao. This is 33 percent of the 3,999 total grantees nationwide, as of November this year.

The EBSO has been providing educational assistance to dependents of military personnel, mostly battle casualties for over 16 years now. It is presently under the supervision of the AFP deputy chief-of-staff, Lt. Gen. Salvador Melchor B. Mison Jr.

Educational programs in EBSO include law-mandated programs, and those by virtue of partnerships with educational, government, socio-civic and financial institutions.

Prior to the event Friday, EBSO visited major schools and institutions around Mindanao to encourage them to join in their mission.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=943566