“Make your parents and community proud.  Give your best and make the most of this great opportunity.  This is another first in Metro 3rd and we hope to continue this and help more young people.”

          Congressman  Alfredo Benitez relayed this message to the seven youths of the Third District who are the first recipients from Negros Occidental of the full five-year scholarship grant  from the People’s Republic of China under its  Bilateral Study Program.

          Cong. Benitez met with the grantees with their parents in a simple awarding program held August 18 in Victorias City.

          The grantees are from Talisay:  Kristine Venesse Anunsawon, 19, from Barangay E. Lizares,  Angelica Banania,19, from Barangay 3, Ranilyn Bervedes, 18, of Barangay Zone 10,  and Jeremy Duhilag, 18, of Barangay Zone 16.  Two qualified from EB Magalona:  Mae Hernalin, 17, from Cudangdang, and Janseen Jocson, 18, from Nanca. The lone grantee from Victorias City is Trina Victoria Duno, 18, of Barangay 19-A.

          It was during a meeting last year between Cong. Benitez and Chinese Ambassador Zhao Jianhua that the opportunity for a scholarship grant for deserving senior high school students from the District was forged.

          The identification of candidates, screening and preparation was done by Cong. Benitez’ office in partnership with  the Department of Education Silay City Division.

          The seven scholars who will enjoy free tuition fees, free accommodation at the university dormitory, monthly stipend to cover living expenses and comprehensive medical insurance will be admitted to the top three universities in China – Beijing Institute of Technology, Beijing Foreign Studies University and Beijing Technology and Business University.

          They are also required to undertake the one-year preparatory courses to learn the language and culture in three other universities  -  Beijing Language and Culture University, Tianjin University and University of International Business and Economy, before moving to their major studies in the host universities.

          The China scholars are set to leave for Manila and fly to China first week of September.  Cong. Benitez provided assistance for their air transportation, clothing for winter, and pocket allowance for their trip.

          Philippine Women’s University president and brother of Cong. Benitez, Dr. Francisco Benitez, Victorias City  Mayor Francis Frederick Palanca,  Silay City Mayor Mark Golez, and Frances Mae Llamas, Talisay executive assistant representing Mayor Neil Lizares were also present in the awarding program*