SEALED. Lotte Scholarship Foundation chair Chang Haesun, Pangasinan Polytechnic College president Raymundo Rovillos, Pangasinan Governor Ramon Guico III and Vice Governor Mark Ronald Lambino (from left) pose for a photo after the signing of the memorandum of understanding for a scholarship program at the capitol in Lingayen town on Friday (March 8, 2024). Lotte allotted 80 scholarship grants to four selected schools. (PNA photo by Liwayway Yparraguirre)
LINGAYEN, Pangasinan – The Lotte Scholarship Foundation, an international group from South Korea, and the provincial government of Pangasinan and other higher educational institutions in the province have signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to allot 80 slots to Pangasinense students.
The scholars will be selected from students of the Pangasinan Polytechnic College (PPC), Pangasinan State University, Binalatongan Community College of the local government of San Carlos City, and University of Eastern Pangasinan in Binalonan.
The scholarship grants will cover school year 2024-2025. PPC has already chosen its 20 scholars for the program it starts in August.
Pangasinan Vice Governor Lambino told media the partnership with Lotte was initiated through the linkages of the provincial government.
“Lotte Foundation approached the provincial government of Pangasinan and made the offer after noting that four schools do have many poor, underprivileged and marginalized students in need of) assistance,” he said.
“The MOU does not state the number of years of the scholarship coverage which may vary depending on the educational institutions and the course, just like any scholarship grant, there are maintaining qualifications — academics, behavior, etc. Which are all defined in the agreed guidelines,” Lambino added.
Chang Haesun, chair of Lotte Scholarship Foundation, said they want to support Philippine students and they hope to see them become great leaders someday. Scholarship, she added, is very important to underprevileged youth as education is the base of everything, she added.
“I am pleased to sign the MOU with the educational leaders of Pangasinan. I am especially very thankful to the governor, vice governor, president of the universities and other associates. I appreciate highly their cooperation. Lotte Foundation was established 40 years ago and has been providing 3.8 billion (won) to foster global talents,” Chang said during the MOU signing rites at the capitol in Lingayen.
In an interview after the program, Chang said Lotte Foundation has partnered with 38 schools worldwide in Malaysia, Indonesia, Vietnam, Pakistan, Cambodia, Thailand and now the Philippines. The foundation’s scholarship budget for the program is about 400 billion won (about PHP16 billion).
Governor Ramon Guico III likewise expressed elation over the partnership. He pledged all out active support for the program. (PNA)
