Mayor Greg Gasataya officially welcomed the 408 new beneficiaries of the 2026 PESO Bacolod City Scholarship Program during the scholars’ orientation at the Bacolod City Government Center lobby on Saturday, July 25.
The new batch joins the city’s 749 existing scholars, bringing the total number of scholars currently supported by the Bacolod City Government to 1,157.
Organized by the Public Employment Service Office (PESO), the orientation familiarized the scholars with the program’s guidelines, documentary requirements, and their responsibilities as recipients of the city’s educational assistance.
Gasataya also distributed and signed the scholars’ Certificates of Scholarship, which officially certify them as beneficiaries of the city’s scholarship program. The certification may be presented as a temporary document during enrollment, especially for scholars who may encounter financial constraints while awaiting the release of their scholarship allowance.
“We hope you don’t waste this opportunity. There are many who wanted to become scholars, but you were chosen because of your performance. We want to ensure that you become good stewards of the government’s investment in your education,” Gasataya said.
Beginning this August, each scholar will receive a ₱3,000 allowance per semester upon completion of the required documentary requirements. He assured the scholars that the city government will continue supporting their education so they can focus on maintaining good academic standing and pursuing their dreams.
The mayor also shared that he was once a government scholar himself, saying the opportunity opened many doors that helped shape his future.
“I am passionate about this program because I was once a government scholar like you. Because of that opportunity, many doors opened for me, and many opportunities came my way. I hope this scholarship will do the same for each one of you,” he added.
For many of the scholars, the scholarship represents more than financial assistance—it is an opportunity to pursue their dreams while easing the financial burden on their families.
Second-year Criminology student Simone Ramchard Abellar of STI West Negros University thanked the mayor for investing in the education of Bacolod’s youth.
“I promise to do well in school for my parents and for the City of Bacolod,” Abellar said.
Mike Eric Balontong, a second-year Medical Technology student from the University of Negros Occidental-Recoletos, also expressed his gratitude, saying education is where opportunities begin.
“This scholarship is a big help to my studies. When my parents learned that I qualified, they were very happy. I also promise that when the time comes, I will share this kindness with others, especially with those who helped me,” Balontong shared.
Meanwhile, first-year Chemical Engineering student Chanelle Louise Callejo of the University of St. La Salle said the scholarship is a blessing not only for her but also for her family.
“I immediately told my grandparents because they have been supporting my education since grade school. They were very happy and proud. This scholarship is a huge help to our family, especially since I have siblings who are also studying,” Callejo said.
Executive Assistant IV and PESO Coordinator Jovelyn Canoy encouraged the scholars to value the opportunity they had earned, reminding them that the scholarship was made possible through their own hard work and determination.
“One of the reasons you went through the qualifying examination and interviews before reaching this scholarship is for you to truly appreciate it. Always keep in mind that you qualified because you gave your best,” Canoy said.
The PESO Bacolod City Scholarship Program has been providing educational assistance to deserving Bacolodnon students since 2005 and remains one of the Bacolod City Government’s key initiatives in helping students pursue higher education, the press release said.*
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