Being one of the five State Universities and Colleges (SUCs) that are currently implementing ESGP-PA in Region IX, Western Mindanao State University conducted a 3-day summit for grantees held in Cecille’s Catering, Tumaga, Zamboanga City on January 29-31, 2016.
Some 217 ESGP-PA grantees had the chance to join the summit after the successful conduct of its 1st batch held December last year.
Mrs. Bernadita Bacang, WMSU ESGP-PA Coordinator said that the activity basically aims to provide them with learning experiences, to build teamwork and enhance camaraderie among other participants while improving their leadership potentials. The activity also served as venue to inspire the attendees with positive stories on program gains through testimonial sharing.
The summit provided the participants with inputs and workshops on leadership, team building activities and Psychological Testing facilitated by its University Guidance Counselling Center. A city tour was also arranged for all with an opportunity to appreciate Zamboanga City as the host venue for the event. Summit participants came from the different External Studies Unit of WMSU around the region.
Mrs. Bacang also added that it is an opportunity for them to personally meet all grantees together in one activity aiding them to become empowered students through consistent guidance and intervention. Last 2015, the coordinators through its ESU conducted close monitoring of students to include activities such as boarding house visits and counselling. They also assisted students through conduct of review classes for those who are Non-CET passers.
To date, the university has 621 ESGPPA grantees covering main campus and ESUs. While region IX has a total of 2,078 ESGPPA grantees coming from the five accredited SUCs of Zamboanga City State Polytechnic College, Zamboanga City State of Marine Sciences and Technology, J.H Cerilles Memorial College in Pagadian City, Jose Rizal Memorial State University in Dipolog City and Western Mindanao State University.
ESGP-PA aims to contribute to the National Government’s thrust in effectively addressing poverty alleviation by increasing the number of graduates in higher education among poor households and to get these graduates employed in high-value added occupations in order to lift their families out of poverty and contribute to national development. Region IX is expected to have 214 graduates this year.
The event is anchored on the theme: “Trekking the Road to Success: Education, the needed gear”.