Opol, MISAMIS ORIENTAL---The center recently held its annual Midyear Assessment for the Educational Assistance for the Youth (EAsY Agri) and Educational Grants for Extension Workers (EdGE) Scholarship Programs, coinciding with the culmination of EAsY Agri Batch 1. This event took place from August 28 to 29, 2024, in Opol, Misamis Oriental, and was accessible online for scholars unable to attend in person due to class conflicts.
The significance of the said assessment lies in the center's commitment to evaluating the performance of its scholarship programs. Currently, ATI Northern Mindanao supports 48 EAsY Agri scholars, including 15 recent college graduates, 15 third-year students, and 18 sophomores. Additionally, there are eight EdGE scholars, four pursuing doctoral degrees and four working towards their master's degrees.
The primary objectives of the Midyear Assessment were to evaluate the academic performance of the scholars and to relay recent updates and agreements from the National Scholarship Program Assessment. During the event, the center honored the first batch of EAsY Agri graduates with a Plaque of Recognition. The graduates included: Jose Mei W. Barrio (cum laude), Jenerose D. Callejas (cum laude), Junnard S. Coronel (cum laude), Alchem G. Daluniag (cum laude), Rhea T. Dukinlay, Careen C. Elloren (cum laude), Irish T. Gabac (cum laude), Dianne Gagnan (magna cum laude), Ana Rose O. Lapa (cum laude), Richilyn C. Llamera, Starlyn B. Pasco (magna cum laude), Marjorie C. Queroyla, Kelly Jane P. Sudario (cum laude), Norhanna A. Tampo (cum laude), and Xerxel Dane Q. Ventic (cum laude).
Graduates with Latin Honors received a Certificate of Recognition, signed by ATI National Director Engr. Remelyn R. Recoter, along with an incentive allowance of P15,000 each. Certificates of Merit were awarded to Jay Marie B. Generalao and Ivy Shaine S. Ompoc for achieving a General Weighted Average (GWA) of 1.5 during the previous semester. Additionally, certificates of recognition were presented to scholars who consistently submitted their monthly reports and updates.
Before the midyear assessment and culminating activity, the scholars wrote reflective journals documenting their agricultural journey. Batches 2 and 3, as well as the EdGe program participants, also chronicled their academic experiences from the previous semester.
To help the scholars craft compelling reflections and journals, Assistant Center Director Noemi Beth G. Macario provided writing tips and guidance. Her insights proved invaluable in assisting the scholars to effectively capture their experiences and insights gained throughout the semester.
The reflective writing exercise not only allowed the scholars to document their progress but also facilitated self-reflection and personal growth. By putting pen to paper, the scholars were able to gain a deeper understanding of their own learning process, challenges faced, and lessons learned.
Center Director Maria Lydia A. Echavez, as the scholarship focal person, reiterated the agreements made during her meeting at the central office. Meanwhile, PAS Section Chief Javier P. Andalan offered words of encouragement to the scholars as a member of the Local Scholarship Committee (LSC). The event was further supported by the dedicated center staff, including Alternate Focal Person Jhoylie Mae R. Caumban, Shirley Delos Reyes, Mark Cyben Cepe Epe, Bryan Jay Cabugwason, and Miraflor Ofonda-Bonifacio, who played key roles in facilitating the proceedings.
The event concluded with inspiring messages from representatives of each batch, along with words of encouragement from the Local Scholarship Committee. This gathering not only celebrated the achievements of the scholars but also reinforced the center's dedication to fostering educational opportunities for the youth in agriculture. (with reports and photos furnished by Jhoylie Mae R. Caumban, EdGE Scholarship and EAsY Agri Scholarship Alternate Focal Person)
