For school year 2004-2005, the Municipal Scholarship Fund Board decided to expand the scholarship program awarded to poor but deserving students in San Esteban. Aware that there are students out there in need of financial aid to pursue a college education, Mayor Armando Abad set aside P50,000 from the development fund of the Internal Revenue Allotment. This will boost the annual share of the Sangguniang Kabataan and the donations coming from individuals and associations abroad that make up the funds that send scholars to pursue their college degrees.

     The applicants who qualified for this year’s batch of scholars are present college students with satisfactory academic records and come from families of poor farmers. The first is Rodel G. Elaydo of Cappa Cappa Centro, an incoming 2nd year Geodetic Engineering student at UNP Vigan and son of Rogelio & Sinfrosa Elaydo. Second is Resty G. Guzman of Sitio Bigbiga, San Nicolas, an incoming 3rd year Civil Engineering student at UNP Vigan and son of Reynaldo and Cristina Guzman. The parents personally sought the help of the mayor and the vice mayor because they are hard pressed in having their children continue with their education and after a thorough evaluation the two students proved that their academic standings qualify them to the scholarship program.

     The original batch of scholars, Sheryll Elaydo (Ansad), BS Nursing, Michelle Mariano(Apatot), BS Elem. Education and Marvin Ebojo (Poblacion), BS Education are all doing well with their studies. This school year they will be in their 3rd year college. The scholars wish to express their sincerest gratitude to everyone who has contributed to the scholarship fund and in return they will comply with the stipulations in their contracts and graduate from their courses with flying colors at the soonest possible time.

     We would like to take this opportunity to thank the San Esteban Schools Alumni Association (SESAA) for the donation of $300 handed by association treasurer Atty. Samuel Orpilla, Jr. and the $100 donation of the San Esteban Website handed by Susan Abad Europa. Municipal Treasurer Angelita H. Arce, the custodian of funds will soon issue a financial statement of the scholarship program for all to see. In the meantime, we again appeal to our town mates abroad and the associations to please extend their help to the successful continuation of the scholarship program.

/:susan (S.A.E.)

---