In the short years since its establishment, Davao del Sur State College (DSSC) has been successfully producing groups of licensed Agriculturist. The possibility of increasing this number has now became more evident as DSSC welcomed the representatives of Lao Foundation Incorporated (LFI) for an Exploratory Meeting at the DSSC Boardroom, on May 11, 2023.

Many of the new generation had become interested in Agricultural courses and programs, since it’s been continuously endorsed by the government. DSSC has been a proud producer and supporter of agricultural education and activities through research and extensions.

LFI works with institutional partners that implement direct programs and services that empower schools and NGOs that creates sustainable impact. Head of Program Christina Viray, and Program Coordinator Sheena Fidelson openly expressed their hope to work with DSSC by offering scholarship support to DSSC students, particularly the incoming freshmen from coconut farming families.

LFI’s main source of income comes from the coconut farming industry and thus they hope to give chances to students from the same livelihood background who needs financial assistance for college.

Dr. Siverlyn Camposano, Vice President for Academic Affairs, Dr. Mark Jude Trondillo, Research, Development and Innovation Director, and Dr. Juan P. Agudera, Institute of Agriculture and Related Sciences (IARS) Dean, Ms. Dulce Martinez Admission and Scholarship Head, and other IARS coordinators, delivered their concerns and queries in the open discussion with LFI’s representative such the different sets of criteria for students who will be eligible to apply, the possible review of student’s profile and the programs they may otherwise take if their stanine cannot meet the standard. LFI amicably expressed their willingness to abide by DSSC’s ways in accepting eligible scholars and retention policies.

This collaboration hopes to help those students who are very willing to earn their education but are financially challenged, and produce what the investors hopes to be ‘catalyst’ of change in the impoverished environment they have been exposed to.

(Cyril Abuloc/DSSC PRIO)