Monday, August 20, 2018

Rep. Alfredo Benitez was the speaker at the awarding program held Saturday in Victorias City, for seven youths of the Third District, the first recipients from Negros Occidental of the full five-year scholarship grant from the People’s Republic of China under its Bilateral Study Program, a press release said.

The seven recipients of the free study program for China with Rep. Alfredo Benitez.*

“Make your parents and community proud. Give your best and make the most of this great opportunity. This is another first in Metro 3rd and we hope to continue this and help more young people.” Benitez told the awardees.

The grantees were, fromTalisay: Kristine Venesse Anunsawon, 19, from Barangay Lizares, Angelica Banania,19, from Barangay 3, Ranilyn Bervedes, 18, of Barangay Zone 10, and Jeremy Duhilag, 18, of Barangay Zone 16. Two qualified from EB Magalona: Mae Hernalin, 17, from Cudangdang, and Janseen Jocson, 18, from Nanca. The lone grantee from Victorias City is Trina Victoria Duno, 18, of Barangay 19-A.

At a meeting last year,the opportunity for a scholarship grant for deserving senior high school students from the District was forged between Benitez and Chinese Ambassador Zhao Jianhua.

The identification of candidates, screening and preparation was done by the office of Benitez in partnership with the Department of Education Silay City Division.

The seven scholars will enjoy free tuition fees, free accommodation at the university dormitory, monthly stipend to cover living expenses and comprehensive medical insurance and will be admitted to the top three universities in China – Beijing Institute of Technology, Beijing Foreign Studies University and Beijing Technology and Business University.

They are also required to undertake the one-year preparatory courses to learn the language and culture in three other universities - Beijing Language and Culture University, Tianjin University and University of International Business and Economy, before moving to their major studies in the host universities, the press release said.

The China scholars will fly to China on the first week of September and Benitez provided assistance for their air transportation, clothing for winter, and pocket allowance for their trip.

Philippine Women’s University president and brother of Benitez, Dr. Francisco Benitez, Victorias City Mayor Francis Frederick Palanca, Silay City Mayor Mark Golez, and Frances Mae Llamas, Talisay executive assistant representing Mayor Neil Lizares, were present at the awarding program*