The Negros Occidental provincial government has signed up 515 more educational scholars, who are now among the 1,350 grantees pursuing their dreams to finish school.

The province has allocated about PHP72.3 million this year to fund the scholars under 11 categories, Negros Occidental Scholarship Program (NOSP) head Karen Dinsay said in an interview on Tuesday.

The scholars were screened from among 8,600 applicants. They are entitled to free tuition and miscellaneous fees, book and uniform allowances, and other forms of assistance.

They signed the memorandum of agreement with Gov. Eugenio Jose Lacson in a ceremony here Monday.

In his message, Lacson said that through the NOSP, every qualified Negrense is given the opportunity to pursue education, regardless of the circumstances.

“Always remember that as you pursue your dreams, you are also setting the path for other young Negrenses who will follow in your footsteps,” he said.

The governor encouraged the scholars to excel in their studies, uphold integrity, and eventually give back to their families, communities and the province.

The NOSP categories are Pagkaon Scholarship Grant, District Educational Scholarship, Degree Completion Scholarship, Indigenous Peoples’ Scholarship, Negros Occidental Provincial Medical and Nursing Scholarship for Medicine and Nursing, Midwifery Scholarship, Provincial Educational Assistance to Capitol Employees, Best of Negros, Scholarship for Children of Non-Returning Overseas Filipino Workers, Degree Completion Scholarship for OFWs, Scholarship for Children of Solo Parents, and Scholarship for Persons with Disabilities.(PNA)