By Emma Joyce F. Guillermo
LAOAG CITY, Ilocos Norte – Ilocos Norte is strengthening its commitment to inclusive education and youth development through expanded scholarships, review programs, and international exchanges, ensuring that more Ilokano youth have the opportunity to learn, grow, and serve their communities.
In her “100 Days in Office” report, Governor Cecilia Araneta-Marcos highlighted the province’s accomplishments and future plans in education to improve quality learning and empower the youth through inclusive programs.
“We have continued and expanded our scholarship programs to ensure that no Ilokano is left behind because of financial hardship,” she said.
Scholarships to support education
During her report, Marcos announced that the province has expanded its scholarship programs for Juris Doctor and Doctor of Medicine courses, providing greater support for aspiring professionals in these critical fields who will later serve the province as doctors, lawyers, and public servants.
The Provincial Government of Ilocos Norte (PGIN) offers various scholarships for academic achievers, technical-vocational students, agriculture and fishery courses, youth leaders, and even secondary-level learners.
For the current academic year, PGIN opened 773 slots for academic scholars, 400 for agriculture and fisheries students, 141 for tertiary-level scholars, 70 for technical-vocational applicants, and 150 for art scholars.
In line with the province’s goal to strengthen its pool of professionals, 11 slots were allocated for Juris Doctor students and 17 for Doctor of Medicine students.
Kenyon Vince Calad, a PGIN scholar from senior high school through college, said the scholarship not only supported his studies but also inspired him to pursue public service.
“This scholarship from PGIN has been a great help, not just in my studies, but in shaping the person I am today. I thank the provincial government for giving us the opportunity to become community leaders and give back through this program,” he said.
Post-graduate work opportunities
Marcos added that the province is also creating work opportunities to sustain support for Ilokano graduates.
Through the Government Internship and Work Readiness Programs in partnership with the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), 120 youth were deployed in different departments of the PGIN.
Additionally, over 100 students were given the chance to work while studying through the Special Program for the Employment of Students (SPES).
Lance Justine Manuel, an Information Technology graduate and government intern, said the program has helped him improve his skills and gain work experience at the PGIN Information Office.
“As a Government Internship Program (GIP) intern, this has been a big help in improving my skills. This program is a stepping stone for fresh graduates. If a vacancy opens, we might even have a chance to continue working here,” he shared.
Manuel also expressed his gratitude to the provincial government and DOLE for offering job opportunities to fresh graduates.
“Thank you to PGIN and Governor Marcos for supporting us fresh graduates. You help us discover our strengths and guide us toward our career paths,” he added.
Local support
The Ilocos Norte Youth Development Office (LYDO) launched the Review and Examination Assistance Program, helping graduates prepare for professional licensure exams.
“We are proud to share that 85 young Ilokanos completed the JobStart Philippines Program. This success is also reflected in our employment service office, which was recognized as the Best PESO in DOLE Region 1 for the third consecutive year,” Marcos added.
Through these expanded educational and employment initiatives, Ilocos Norte continues to invest in its youth to build a more empowered, skilled, and service-driven generation of leaders. (CCMT/EJFG, PIA Ilocos Norte)
