Albay allots P36-M fund for higher education scholarship

By Sally A. Atento

LEGAZPI CITY, Oct. 5 (PIA) -- This province is taking into heart that education may free one from poverty hence, the province of Albay has allocated P36 million for its Albay Higher Education Contractual Scheme (AHECS) scholarship program benefiting around 34,000 scholars in the province.

Albay Governor Jose Salceda said 14,000 of these scholars are expected to graduate this year from their four-year course.

Salceda noted that the AHECS program has produced around 144,000 to 186,000 scholars from 53 colleges and universities in the province since its implementation in 2010.

Scholars under the said program are supported until they graduate through a deferred payment scheme. Part of their school fees are paid by the provincial government through the P5, 000 enrollment assistance given per semester of study.

Committee on Education chairman and Albay board member Arnold Embestro, however, said that they temporarily stopped accepting AHECS scholars this year due to the unexpected budget cut from the internal revenue allotment of the province.

Acceptance of new AHECS scholars is expected to resume next year.

Meanwhile, Salceda clarified that the provincial government has ongoing education assistance programs for deserving college students aside from the AHECS such as the Emergency Financial Assistance to Students in Tertiary Education.

The AHECS program is part of the Education Quality for Albayanos (Equal) project of Salceda which aims to produce a college graduate in every Albayano home. (MAL/SAA-PIA5, ALbay)


Skyjet to start operation this month

By Edna A. Bagadiong

VIRAC, Catanduanes, Oct 5 (PIA) -- Skyjet Airlines will start operations in the province this October.

The Civil Aeronautics Board (CAB) has issued a temporary operating permit for SkyJet Airlines to run commercial operations in the Philippines which will allow SkyJet to fly to “unserved or underserved” destinations.

Representative Cesar V. Sarmiento of the lone district of Catanduanes said Skyjet can start operating as early as next week as soon as concerned agencies approve necessary permits to fly, including the approval of Manila International Airport Authority (MIAA) for airport slot.

Magnum Air (Skyjet) Inc. is owned by Dr. Joel Mendoza, its chief executive officer. SkyJet will initially fly to four destinations, namely Basco in Batanes, Virac in Catanduanes, Catarman in Northern Samar, and Surigao.

To date, only Cebu Pacific Airlines is operating in the province after Zest Airways pulled out, causing inconvenience to travelers and other passengers.

The airline plans to operate “to underserved and unserved destinations” in the country with great tourism potential. (MAL/EAB-PIA5, Catanduanes)