LINGAYEN—Five scholars have made their benefactors proud.

These students whose schooling at the Pangasinan State University were financed by the Washington-based Pangasinan Sister State Association (WAPSSA), will graduate on April 4 among the top of their batch as cum laude or magna cum laude.

The scholars are Jerome Patungan, 22, of Barangay Taloy, Malasiqui town who will graduate magna cum laude with a degree of Bachelor of Secondary Education (BSE) major in Social Studies; Auralyn Baliton of Tayug town, cum laude, BSE major in English; Maria Theresa Nollido of San Quintin, cum laude, BSE major in English; Jie Ann Bandong of Lingayen, cum laude, BSE major in English; and Chona Nisperos of Mapandan, graduating with distinction, BSE major in Social Studies.

The WAPSSA scholarship, administered by the Pangasinan Washington Sister State Association (PAWASSA), provides financial assistance to poor but deserving students, including tuition fee and other related costs.

All five stayed in one apartment rented by WAPSSA for the duration of their college education.

The scholars all shared a sad story of extreme poverty and were all uncertain about being able to pursue a college diploma.

Patungan’s parents are both jobless and had no money to spend for his education. But determined to have an education, he approached a school teacher for help who subsequently offered to cover some of his expenses while in grade school. He graduated salutatorian.

Another teacher put him through high school which he completed as valedictorian.

Speaking for the four others, Patungan said they are very grateful for the WAPSSA’s help.

He said the scholarship and their academic achievement are “a great, great blessing from God”.

Still the scholarship money, at $400 a year for each student, plus additional donations in cash and goods, was hardly enough for their other basic needs.

Baliton and Nollido recalled that they used to share one cup of rice to save money. Their regular meals consisted mostly of instant noodles, sardines and eggs.

Bandong at one point decided to give up her studies to work and help her family but their appointed foster mother, Dr. Cecilia Daranciang, managed to convince her to return and continue her studies for a more stable future.

The scholarship program started six years ago and already had 18 graduates out of the 33 grantees.

WAPSSA’s policy prioritizes degrees on Education, Agriculture, English and Fishery.

Daranciang admits that she is very strict with the scholars but “I love them so much that I could give my life for them”.

The graduating scholars have this advice to the remaining scholars and aspiring but poor children: “You can reach your dreams, poverty is never a hindrance”.#

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