A total of twenty-two students have been formally admitted into the University of Bohol’s (UB) newly established Presidential Scholarship Program (PSP) after successfully meeting the stringent requirements and passing the intensive screening interviews conducted by the University’s Scholarship Committee.
The admission was formally sealed during the Presidential Scholarship Program Orientation and Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) signing held on August 29, 2025, at the University Instructional Resource Center (IRC). During the ceremony, the scholars, along with their parents and guardians, entered into an official agreement with the University administration.
Under the MOA, a full scholarship is granted to qualified students who excel academically but are economically challenged, giving them renewed hope to complete the course of their choice. Unlike other existing school scholarship programs, the new Presidential Scholarship provides distinct, broader and more comprehensive benefits.
In his message, UB President Dr. Victoriano B. Tirol III recalled the battle cry of his grandfather and UB’s first president, Atty. Victoriano B. Tirol Sr., who championed the cause of “education for the masses.” He honored the late president as the visionary behind the pioneering work-scholar program of the then Rafael Palma College, now the University of Bohol—a program that helped produce distinguished leaders and professionals in both government and private sectors across the globe.
Addressing the scholars and their families, Dr. Tirol reminded them that “every opportunity comes with responsibility.” He emphasized that being named a Presidential Scholar is a privilege that entails diligence, responsibility, and a commitment to the conditions outlined in the MOA.
On a more personal note, the youthful president urged the scholars to believe in themselves, keep their faith, and never lose sight of their dreams. He also encouraged parents and guardians for their unwavering support and called for their continued collaboration with the University in guiding the scholars toward academic excellence and holistic success.
The program was graced by the presence of Atty. Marlumina B. Teh, Vice President for Academic Affairs; Ms. Ria Eva M. Sevilla, Vice President for Administration; Dr. Maricel A. Tirol, Vice President for Finance; Dr. Lemuel O. Belarmino, Dean of Student/Personnel Services; Mr. James Emmanuel Tabigue, Head of the Marketing Department and Concurrent OIC of the Community Extension Services Office; Ms. Edeza Maslog-Tabigue, Scholarship and Employment Facilitation Officer; Mr. Rogemer G. Ojendras, Internal Auditor; Mr. Leo Armando B. Boncales, Alumni Affairs and Public Relations Officer; Mrs. Merry Grace S, Sumampong, Head, Guidance Counselors Office; and Ms. Francis Mae Trabajo, Psychometrician.
The signing of the MOA was also witnessed by Dean James P. Uy of the College of Engineering Technology, Architecture and Fine Arts; Dean Myrna B. Bernaldez of the College of Allied Health Sciences; Dean Jane Doren A. Bungabong of the College of Hospitality Management, Tourism, Nutrition and Dietetics ; and Dean Karen C. Labor of the College of Business and Accountancy.
Notably, UB already offers a wide range of scholarships and discounts, including the Employee’s Schooling Privilege, Employees’ Legal Dependent Privilege, Dependent’s Academic Excellence Privilege, Family Relations Discount, Loyalty Awardee Scholarship Privilege, Athletic Scholarship Program, Leadership Scholarship Privilege, Student Assistant Scholarship Program, Mr. & Miss UB Personality, Academic Scholarship Program, Creative Staff Scholarship Program, as well as scholarships funded by government and private institutions.
(Leo Armando Boncales)
