#CNUFeature | DBP scholarship brings hope to 50 aspiring teachers of CNU
A first-year Bachelor of Secondary Education major in English student from Cebu Normal University–Medellin Campus is among the 50 scholars of the Development Bank of the Philippines (DBP).
Jade Jyra Jarina, daughter of a construction worker and a homemaker, described the scholarship as a significant relief for her family, who have long struggled to make ends meet. She said the financial assistance will help cover her academic and miscellaneous expenses and ease the burden on her parents.
With the grant, Jarina said she will finally be able to purchase a gadget essential for her studies. The Medellin campus continues to implement a blended learning modality after a 6.9-magnitude earthquake last year damaged parts of its infrastructure, making reliable digital access crucial for students.
“I’m happy and blessed kay dako kaayo ni nga tabang sa akoa/amoa (This is a big help for me and my family),” she said.
DBP has allocated P9.25 million to support the 50 CNU scholars under its Integrated Scholastic Program for Inclusive and Responsive Education (INSPIRE). Each scholar will receive P23,125 per semester, or a total of P185,000 over four years.
Of the 50 scholars under CNU’s education program, 26 are from the Main Campus, 15 from the Medellin Campus, and nine from the Balamban Campus.
Like Jarina, Josielou Navales, a BSEd-English student from the Balamban Campus, said the scholarship would ease her financial burden.
Navales works as a house helper for close relatives while juggling her studies to save for daily expenses. For her, the scholarship means pursuing her degree with less financial strain, particularly in covering transportation and school-related costs.
“Makagasto ko everyday mga 200 kapin para plete, sa transpo, nya wala pay labot sa baon. Maong pasalamat ko sa DBP for this opportunity kay mao ni mo guide nako para makahuman gyod ko ani nga degree (I spend more than P200 daily for transportation alone, excluding my allowance. I am grateful to DBP for this opportunity because this will help me finish my degree),” Navales said.
SCHOLARSHIP AGREEMENT SIGNING
In a bid to bridge the gap for students whose academic aspirations are hindered by financial constraints, the 50 scholars signed a scholarship agreement at the CNU-ILS Centennial Stage this afternoon.
The DBP-INSPIRE scholarship provides financial assistance to underprivileged yet deserving Filipino students. It covers living allowances, school expenses, and other academic costs throughout their studies at CNU.
DBP First Vice President for Corporate Affairs Zandro Carlos Sison emphasized in his speech that education remains “a great equalizer.” He said the DBP-INSPIRE scholarship reflects the bank’s commitment to making responsive and inclusive education accessible to more Filipinos, describing the initiative as a strategic investment in human capital.
CNU President Dr. Laurence Garcia, in a pre-recorded message, expressed gratitude for the partnership between CNU and DBP, saying it ensures that “financial constraints will never silence potential, nor will circumstances limit dreams.”
Vice President for Academic Affairs Dr. Meshel Balijon also thanked DBP for selecting CNU students as scholarship recipients, underscoring the importance of a shared commitment to nation-building.
Student Affairs and Development Office Director Dr. Jollibee Aharul, who led the selection process through interviews, reminded the scholars that “excellence is not only expected but is entrusted” to them as future nation-builders.
Present during the signing were DBP Senior Manager Ryan Pastrana; Assistant Manager Alni Dorothy Alfa; CAD–CSR Unit Officer-in-Charge Trisha Mikaella Reyes; and CAD staff members Loubern P. Reyes and Zofia Erica Tadeo. CNU administrators, staff, and the parents and family members of the scholars also attended the event.
INSPIRE PROGRAM FEATURES
CNU and DBP formalized the DBP-INSPIRE scholarship partnership on August 1, 2025.
The program is designed to support eligible indigent Filipino high school graduates pursuing bachelor’s degrees or vocational courses. It prioritizes fields critical to national development, including engineering and allied disciplines such as architecture and real estate management; accountancy; education; agriculture and forestry; the sciences; maritime studies; information technology; and technical-vocational courses related to these areas.
Under the program, scholars who graduate with Latin honors will receive additional cash grants: P15,000 for Summa Cum Laude, P10,000 for Magna Cum Laude, and P5,000 for Cum Laude.
Those who top licensure examinations will also receive incentives: P50,000 for Top 1, P30,000 for Top 2–6, and P10,000 for Top 7–10.
Padayon, CNU!
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