SM accepting applications
for college scholarships

Applications for the college scholarship program of Shoemart for school year 2013-2014 are now being accepted, a press release from the mall said.

It is open to graduating public high school students, whose family household income should not exceed P150,000 per year. The applicant’s weighted average should also be at least 88 percent by the second or third grading period.

Courses supported by the scholarship program are for Bachelor of Science degrees in Computer Science, Information Technology, Information Management, Electronics and Communications Engineering, Computer, Civil, Electrical or Mechanical Engineering, Elementary Education, Secondary Education major in Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Mathematics, English, Accountancy, and BSC/BSBA major in Accountancy, the press release also said.

The mall has partnered with 77 colleges and universities nationwide, including the Colegio San Agustin, University of Negros Occidental–Recoletos and University of St. La Salle in Bacolod City, and the Technological University of the Philippines–Visayas in Talisay City, Negros Occidental.

Aside from free tuition, the scholarship covers the miscellaneous fees and provides a monthly stipend. During summer and semestral breaks, the scholars can avail of temporary jobs at the mall to augment their allowance, and will be prioritized if they seek employment under any of the SM Group of companies.

Around 1,464 scholars have graduated from the program since it was established in 1993, the press release also said.

Interested students may get application forms from the customer service section of either the Supermarket or Department Store at SM City Bacolod, and submit the completed form until December 20, 2012, the press release added.*

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Civil Engineering
Month celebrated

The Philippine Institute of Civil Engineers Inc.-Negros Occidental Chapter has lined up various activities for the ongoing Civil Engineering Month celebration in the province, a press release from the organization said.

The PICE-NOC held a thanksgiving mass, motorcade and sports tournaments, and on Nov. 10, members and students are invited to attend the product presentation seminar, exhibit, cheer dance, and bridge-building competitions at 9 a.m. at the Robinsons Place fountain area, Mandalagan, Bacolod City, the press release also said.

The celebration is in line with Proclamation 439 signed by President Benigno Aquino III on July 24, 2012 that said there is need to focus national attention on the importance of the civil engineering profession and highlight its role in nation-building. It also urged civil engineers and students to give the observance their full support.

The PICE is composed of more than 71,900 registered civil engineer-members in 97 chapters, including Negros Occidental, and 25,390 student-members in 174 student chapters in the country, the proclamation said.

For more information on the PICE-NOC activities, those interested may visit its office or call 432-1728, the press release added.*

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Forum on regional dev’t
targets, strategies held

The Regional Development Council 6 recently conducted a forum with private sectors and partners at the Technology and Livelihood Development Center in Bacolod City, a press release from the Capitol said.

The activity, aimed to mobilize and engage private sector organizations to support and participate in the realization of goals, targets and strategies outlined in the local development plans and the National Economic and Development Authority.

It also served to highlight the partnership of public and private sectors in solving local issues and the collaboration of activities to maximize the use of resources, rationalize community assistance and avoid duplication of efforts, the press release also said.

NEDA Region 6 director Ro-ann Bacal who discussed the Regional Development Plan for 2011-2016, said it was the result of the series of consultations with various sectors in Western Visayas.

A workshop, titled “Identifying Challenges and Opportunities to be responded through Public-Private Partnership”, was also held and was attended by Negros Occidental Administrator Enrique Pinongan, Provincial Planning and Development officer Ma. Lina Sanogal, NEDA 6 assistant regional director Raul Anlocotan, and Mary Ann Dino of the Betty Bantug Benitez Foundation Inc., the press release added.*

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