Biñan Laguna — The City of Biñan here in Laguna continues to produce excellent graduates through their scholarship program Iskolar ng Biñan program (INB) which helps students who have less in life but possess dreams of so much more.
The INB scholarship has nurtured a total of 6,000 graduates since its inception back in (year it was founded), forging countless professionals tracing their roots in this city— upholding its mantle as a true bastion of education.
“The goal of the city government for the youth, for the students, is for them to be more productive and become significant individuals in our community,” explained City Education Officer Dr. Edmil Recibe to Manila Standard.
And it’s hard not to understand why this bustling economic hotspot south of Metro Manila rich in history and culture would put education on top of its priority list. Recibe recalls why.
“If you would look at history, dito nagkaroon ng formal schooling si Jose Rizal, It goes to show kung ano ang mayroon ang Biñan at the time. Maybe because iba ang educational program sa Biñan, so dapat masabi rin namin ‘yun, at ipagpatuloy na ang literacy rate dito sa amin ay mataas,” he added.
It was in 1871 that the national hero received his formal schooling under maestro Justiniano Cruz. This coincides with his two-year sojourn in the ancestral town of both his parents, before taking up higher studies in Manila.
Moreover, the City of Biñan celebrated in 2021 the 150th year since Rizal’s early schooling and strong affiliation to the town where he “inculcated the value of education and importance of fellowship which was key in formulating his ideologies that eventually opened the eyes of our ancestors to a sovereign Philippines,” according to City officials.
Originally called the Municipality of Biñan Progress Scholarship Program, the program started during the time of Mayor Boy Perez and was authored by then Councilors Walfredo “Arman” R. Dimaguila, Jr. and Marlyn “Len” Alonte-Naguiat, now Biñan City Mayor and Lone District Congresswoman respectively.
It was in the mayoral incumbency of Alonte that the program was strengthened, restructured, and formally launched as INB. From start to finish of their studies, the scholars won’t shell out any amount as the LGU covers 100% of their tuition fees, regardless of their chosen course.
The city government also shoulders other expenses including miscellaneous fees. While scholars enrolled in public universities receive an allowance of 10,000 pesos every semester.
INB also gives financial assistance to their graduates of board courses for the expenses in review centers and monetary awards or incentives for board passers.
The city government allocates more than 90 million pesos every year for the said program. Qualified students are chosen based on their academic standing and recommendation from the Department of Education (DepEd). The upper 20% in the ranking are pre-qualified and asked to submit their documentary requirements for the evaluation.
The goal of the scholarship program is to help the youth become more productive and significant individuals in the community. The city government does not require graduates to serve the city, but rather finish their degree and have a decent job.
Despite criticisms and suspicions thrown against the program, the city government guarantees to give 100% of its objective to the people of Biñan through giving a well-spent budget to Iskolar ng Biñan program. Committed to investing in the people, future, and every student of the city.
“This program is an instrument to achieve the dreams of everyone especially to those who have less in life, they have an equal opportunity and chance”, said Recibe.
Aside from the INB program, the city also has a financial assistance program for incoming Senior High School students. This gives 10,000 pesos each in every Junior High School completers enrolled in private colleges and universities.
Recibe also noted the exciting new program in their pipeline that will extend the scholarship’s scope not just to those academically inclined, but for those who excel in the field of arts and sports.
Starting this upcoming academic year, Recibe said that they will be launching the Artista at Atletang Biñanense Scholarship program with the goal to incorporate deserving student-athletes and artists of the city.
Story and Photos by Peter Paul Duran
