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DBI PRODUCES 3RD CUM LAUDE

                CELESTE G. FREO, a scholar of Damayan-Buluseño, Inc. graduated Cum Laude with a BSE degree last March 26 from the Bicol University (BU) in Legaspi City.

                Celeste, of Barangay Mabuhay, Bulusan, is the third scholar of the association through its Scholarship Through Sponsorship Program to graduate with such scholastic honors.

                The first was Carmelita Borja of Barangay San Bernardo, Bulusan who graduated in B.S. Psychology from the Polytechnic University of the Philippines (PUP) in Manila several years ago.  The second was Ma. Cecilia G. Dineros of Barangay Sapngan, Bulusan who finished her course in education two years ago.

                Celeste was a valedictorian when she graduated in high school in the year 2000 from then Jose S. Reyes Memorial Institute (JSRMI) in Bulusan town proper.  Realizing that her widowed mother would not be able to send her to college due to extreme poverty, this petite young lady immediately applied for a scholarship grant from the DBI.

                Knowing the family’s predicament and Celeste’s willingness to pursue her career to become a teacher, the association exerted all efforts to find a sponsor for her. Luckily, Mr. Alejo O. Dy, a businessman from Isabela but based in Metro-Manila offered himself to be her benefactor.

                He felt elated when he was informed that Celeste would be graduating Cum Laude when he received the invitation to the graduation ceremonies from her. He said, “if only Legaspi City is but a few kilometers from Metro-Manila, (he) would surely attend it to personally congratulate Celeste.”

                Celeste is the 26^th scholar  of DBI to graduate in college.  Three more are expected to finish their courses soon.

                Another scholar, Randy Labong, may enroll this coming school year but it will be a one-year scholarship only for him to finish his fifth and last year in Mechanical Engineering at the Bicol University. Randy was already in fourth year but had to stop schooling when his father died.  He went to Manila to work and save so he could finish his course.  When he met a former classmate in high school who is currently working for the Gazette, he was accompanied to the Knights fo Columbus Clubhouse where the mass for the Buluseños is held.  His case was referred to the Damayan-Buluseño, Inc. for possible assistance.  He was advised to send a letter to the association which was later on published in this Gazette.  His appeal reached Mr. Martin G. Halum whose scholar, Salvacion Gardon, was about to finish her degree in education then.

                Through Damayan-Buluseño, Inc., Mr. Halum offered to sponsor his one-year study but his allowance will not have to be coursed through DBI anymore.  To make it easier for Randy, his allowance will be given to him by Dr. Oscar S. Halum in Bulusan.

                Randy will be the last scholar under the Scholarship Through Sponsorship Program of Damayan-Buluseño, Inc.  Starting school year 2004-2005, the scholarship program will be undertaken by the Damayan-Buluseño Foundation, Inc.

Vol. XVI No.2 (March  - April 2004)

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