Once, Gay Myrell Abrogena and Mary Rose Cabrera believed that getting a college degree was just an elusive dream.

Now the two teachers are ready to give back to their communities, thanks to the Students Grant-in-Aid Program for Poverty Alleviation (SGP-PA).

Myrell and Mary Rose belong to families who are beneficiaries of the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program in Ilocos. Through the SGP-PA, an educational program for college students from Pantawid Pamilya households, they were given the opportunity to continue their studies and finish higher education.

Last year, Myrell and Mary Rose’s hard work paid off when they passed the Licensure Examination for Teachers (LET).

“Passing the LET is a dream come true. Years ago, I wasn’t sure if I would be able to finish my studies, but now I’m already a licensed teacher. I’m so happy!  Another chapter of my life begins, thanks to SGP-PA,” said 21-year-old Myrell who graduated from Mariano Marcos State University.

Mary Rose, who is a Don Mariano Marcos Memorial State University graduate, was likewise elated when she learned that she was a LET-passer.

“I didn’t have any second thoughts when I applied for the scholarship,” she said. “I worked hard to graduate and to pass the LET. I hope I will be able to serve our country soon.”

Both SGP-PA grantees took up Bachelor in Elementary Education and are soon to be appointed in public schools in their respective communities.

 An inspiration to others

Myrell and Mary Rose want to share the passion they have for education to their future students. Their experiences could be an inspiration to children to achieve their dreams, even if they are poor.

“I want to mold young minds and encourage them to study hard despite poverty. It should not be a hindrance in getting a good education and being successful,” Myrell shared.

Mary Rose, on the other hand, hopes to inspire students to serve others. She also has a piece of advice to the student grantees of SGP-PA.

“Study hard and strive to achieve your goals. An opportunity like this does not come very often, so don’t waste it,” she said.

Over 30,000 student-grantees

SGP-PA is a joint program of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), Commission on Higher Education (CHED), Philippine State Universities and Colleges (PASUC), and Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE).

It helps to increase the number of graduates in higher education among poor households and to get these graduates employed in high-value added occupations. This way, the grantees will be able to help lift their families out of poverty.

Each SGP-PA scholar is entitled to receive P10,000 for tuition and P2,500 for textbooks and other learning materials per semester.  A scholar also gets a stipend of P3,500 each month for board and lodging, clothing, health, and medical needs, basic school supplies, and other related expenses. A total of P30,000 worth of educational assistance is given to a student every semester.

As of January 2015, there are 31,350 enrolled SGP-PA student grantees in 112 state universities and colleges nationwide.