The Dinagat Islands provincial government disbursed PHP4 million in tuition assistance Friday for 394 scholars at Don Jose Ecleo Memorial College, reinforcing its commitment to accessible education in the island province.

The funding covers first-semester costs for the 2024-2025 academic year, including arrears from late 2024.

Two checks — PHP3.1 million for 150 Criminology students and PHP1.6 million for 244 scholars in other degree programs — were turned over by Governor Nilo Demerey Jr. to college administrator Eleno Buray Jr.

The funding covers first-semester costs for the 2024-2025 academic year, including arrears from late 2024.

“This investment transforms lives,” Demerey said, noting the province has supported over 1,200 scholars since the program’s 2020 launch.

One recipient, Arnel, described the scholarship as his “only path to a stable future,” citing his family’s limited means.

“Scholarship is an opportunity for poor but deserving students to grow and secure a better future,” he said in a phone interview on Friday.

The island province allocates 7 percent of its annual budget to education.

Scholar graduates have secured jobs in local law enforcement, education and government offices. (PNA)