The Philippine Phytopathological Society-Southern Mindanao Division (PPS-SMD), in collaboration with the Bayer Crop Science (BCS), has granted a two-year scholarship program to three (3) 3rd year BS Agriculture students specializing in Plant Pathology from the University of Southeastern Philippines, namely: Harold Casinto, Jhanno Dapitanon, and Japhet Paypa.
The Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) signing between PPS-SMD-BCS and the aforementioned students, and turn-over of the scholarship package was conducted at the ARTIC Conference Hall of USeP-Mabini Unit, Davao de Oro, on November 11, 2021. Present during the signing were University officials, Department of Agricultural Sciences (DAS) faculty, selected University students, and officers and Board of Directors (BOD) of PPS-SMD.
Ms. Marilou N. Infante, PPS-SMD BOD and Scholarship Committee Head, presented the overview of the said scholarship and emphasized that the heart of the BOD desires to help students who are financially challenged but academically deserving.
The scholarship provided financial assistance and thesis support to the scholar-students in the form of a stipend for the current semester and a laptop to aid them in the new learning modality.
PPS-SMD President Dr. Denice G. Catambacan encouraged the scholars to do their best to finish their degree and consider the scholarship opportunity as a reminder to always choose to help others, especially those in need.
Despite her hectic schedule, University President and former PPS-SMD President Dr. Lourdes C. Generalao, chose to attend the event. “One of the organizations I owe a lot is PPS-SMD, which enriched my curriculum vitae given the training and partnership that we have been through”, she said.
PPS-SMD-BCS scholarship aims to heighten the public awareness on the importance of studying plant pathology in managing plant disease and increasing crop productivity in the country.
