Asenso Pamilya: One Family, One Professional

 

A Vision for the Future

In a groundbreaking initiative to uplift the socio-economic status of families in Misamis Occidental, the Provincial Government has launched the “Asenso Pamilya: One Family, One Professional” scholarship program.

Rooted from his own story of rising from poverty to success, Governor Henry S. Oaminal envisions the “Asenso Pamilya” scholarship program as a catalyst for long-term socio-economic development in the province.

The Asenso Pamilya One Family, One Professional (OFOP) Program was established to have at least one gainfully employed professional in every family in the Province of Misamis Occidental by 2026, thus uplifting the living conditions of families of Misamisnons. This is aligned to the 5Ms developmental thrust of the Province: Misamisnon, Magpuyong Malinawon, Malambuon ug Malipayon.

The program was officially launched last August 22-24, 2023 for the 1st Semester School Year (SY) 2023. During the orientation, grantees were provided with comprehensive information and guidance, ensuring they understand the benefits and requirements of the scholarship program.

 

 

A Two-Pronged Approach

According to the Philippine Statistics Authority, in the first semester of 2023, an individual in Misamis Occidental needs an amount of PhP 17,436 to meet the basic food and non-food needs, compared to PhP 14,939 in 2021. Based on this poverty threshold in Misamis Occidental, around 43.08 thousand are considered poor families or are living below the poverty line in the province.

To concretely address this issue on a two-pronged approach, OFOP under the leadership of the hardworking Governor Henry S. Oaminal, strategically remedies both the short-term and long-term needs of the grantees. To financially capacitate our grantees, OFOP will be giving them a financial grant of P25,000.00 per semester to ensure their immediate educational needs are met. By alleviating the financial burden associated with higher education, the scholarship enables students to pursue their academic goals and successfully finish their college degree without hindrance.

 

Bridging Educational Gaps

Recognizing the critical role of education in breaking the cycle of poverty, the “Asenso Pamilya” scholarship program focuses on providing financial support to deserving students from low-income families.

This program provides educational benefits in the form of financial assistance to help cover tuition, board and lodging , transportation, supplies and other school-related expenses to a Misamisnon who has a strong desire to finish tertiary education. It also aims to assist the  graduate grantee in obtaining the necessary certifications, eligibility or professional license and be gainfully employed within or outside the Province. The financial grant is in the amount of P25,000.00 per semester or P50,000 annually.

 

Qualifications and Criteria of the Selection Process

The program is open to all residents of Misamis Occidental who meet the following criteria:

  1. Must be a Filipino, a Misamisnon and currently residing within the Province, with a strong desire to become professional;
  2. Enrolling for a Tertiary/Undergraduate Program whether four (4) or more-year degree program or a two (2) year course program.
  3. If an applicant has the status and/or belongs to the following sectors, the same shall be given priority:
  4. No professional in the family at the time of application
  5. Currently enrolled as 3rd or 4th year in College;
  6. Child of a solo parent;
  7. An orphan or abandoned;
  8. Member of the Indigenous People’s Group
  9. Person with Disability; and
  10. Enrollee of an Industrially – Demanded and Highly – Employable Course.

If the students are qualified here are the following requirements:

  1. Transmittals/Endorsement Letter from the City/ Municipal Mayor
  2. Duly-filled up application form with 2×2 I.D. picture in white background
  3. Signed and Notarized Contract between the Provincial Government and Grantees
  4. Certification of the Barangay Chairperson as to residency of the applicant
  5. Certification from MSWDO/CSWDO/NCIP, if applicant belongs to the following sectors: Child of a Solo Parent, Orphan, Indigenous People Group and Person with Disability
  6. Copy of Birth Certificate (LCR or PSA copy)
  7. Photocopy of School ID or Valid ID
  8. Certificate of Registration/Enrolment
  9. Statement of Account from School
  10. Copy of Report Card/ Grades from previous school year

 

Success Stories

The “Asenso Pamilya: One Family, One Professional” scholarship program of Misamis Occidental has made a significant impact on the lives of its beneficiaries. Here are some inspiring success stories that highlight the transformative power of education and the positive changes brought about by this initiative.