• GILBERT P. BAYORAN
Due to a successful “Study Now Pay Later” scholarship program in Darwin, Australia, the provincial government of Negros Occidental is considering its expansion, by sending more scholars, Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson disclosed on Monday.
Lacson, who recently attended the graduation rites of Negros Occidental scholars from an Early Childhood Education and Care program at Alana Kaye College and Commercial Cookery Course from the International College of Advanced Education (ICAE) in Darwin, Australia, disclosed that a total of 17 scholars from three batches, have already graduated.
Lacson said he is very happy with the results and will continue sending scholars. At the same time, he also encouraged local government units to sponsor a student to study as a scholar in Australia, as part of the provincial government’s Study Now Pay Later Program.
The graduates are “enjoying a life changing experience,” he said, noting also that most of those already working in Australia are supporting families in Negros.
The scholarships cost about P1 million, and recipients are given five years to pay, with zero interest, Lacson further said.*
