OWWA Honors Scholar-topnotchers in Government Licensure Examinations

Labor and Employment Secretary Rosalinda Dimapilis-Baldoz had congratulated 29 OWWA scholars who had obtained Latin honors upon graduation and four past graduates who had topped recent government licensure examinations.

“I congratulate these achievers. OWWA scholars continue to write history on academic excellence,” Baldoz said after receiving the report of OWWA chief Rebecca J. Calzado that the OWWA has conferred certificates of recognition to the 29 OWWA scholars.

Leading the honourees were Ivy Elaine Aguilar Cadalzo, who placed No. 1 in the 2014 Geodetic Engineer Licensure Examination; Mary Nheza Acordon, who was 4th in the 2014 Aeronautical Engineering Licensure Examination; Hubaib Mundas Midtemeg, 9th place, 2015 Social Worker Licensure Examination; and Henmark S. Pichay, 9th place, 2013 Civil Engineering Licensure Examination.

Also honored were Ma. Arizza R. Ferreras, Magna Cum Laude; Rolibeth Arielle R. Miranda, Magna Cum Laude; Carl Raymund P. Salazar, Magna Cum Laude; Dianne Mae F. Agra, Cum Laude; John Eris B. Alvarez, Cum Laude; Anne Sharmaine P. Ochoa, Cum Laude; Donita Rose M. Custodio, Cum Laude; Earie Randolf R. Bunao, Cum Laude; Julian A. Santos, Cum Laude; and Amparo S. Belgera, Cum Laude, all from the National Capital Region; Jean Claudette L. Galvez, Cum Laude; Marco B. Paulino, Magna Cum Laude; Renz Q. Garcia, Cum Laude; Vanessa Angelli P. Paray, Cum Laude, all of Region 3; Mike Rendell B. Pisuena, Cum Laude, from Region 4-A; Jerome D. Balanoyos, Magna Cum Laude; Angelica O. Cordez, Cum Laude; and Menlyn N. Bautista, Cum Laude (Region 5); Esa Seal L. Allisa, Cum Laude, and Andrean May S. Nepomuceno, with honors (Region 6); Serc Czione P. Labus, Cum Laude; Markiedyl G. Agnas, Cum Laude; and Neil Amor D. Balaba, Cum Laude (Region 7); Mary Grace T. Sacal, Cum Laude (Region 10); and Yvonne Reina P. Totesora, Cum Laude (Region 11).

The OWWA feted these achievers, all recipients of its scholarship grants and all sons and daughters of OWWA member-OFWs, in a simple ceremony at the OWWA Multi-Purpose Hall. For the occasion, the honourees received free board and lodging, certificates of recognition, and simple tokens to serve as their souvenirs for a job ‘well done’.

In 2013, the OWWA also honoured two of its scholars who topped in the Electrical Engineering Licensure Examination by garnering 5th and 6th place, respectively.

In her message on behalf of the honourees, Ms. Cadalzo reminisced her school days as an OWWA scholar. “The OWWA’s educational assistance was a big help to my father who works in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. I really appreciate the OWWA,” she said. Cadalzo is now connected with the UP as an associate geodetic engineer. Another honouree, Hubaib Mundas Midtemeg from ARMM, is now one of the OWWA’s newest recruits.

Administrator Calzado also congratulated the parents who served as the inspiration and motivation of the young achievers. “For this year, we have 29 awardees – 25 with Latin honors and four board top placers. Like their parents and the universities and colleges where they graduated, we at the OWWA are proud to announce that most of our scholars are now gainfully employed,” she said in her message.

Through the years, OWWA scholars continued to be competitive in their respective field of specialization as they consistently made it to the top. From 2010 to 2015, OWWA scholarship beneficiaries garnered a total of 157 medal of awards for excellence in their studies: two in 2010; 28 in 2011; 29 in 2012; 29 in 2013; 40 in 2014; and 29 in 2015.

“We are equally proud of these scholars who were able to make it big in the international academic arena, like Don Stanley who is now enrolled at the West Point Academy. Their achievements are a challenge to the next batch of OWWA scholars,” she said.

OWWA offers various scholarship programs to dependents of OWWA members in active status or whose OWWA contribution is updated. OWWA membership is valid for two years. The OWWA offers scholarship grants for 4-5 year courses leading to baccalaureate degree (Education for Development Scholarship Program); OFW Dependents Scholarship Program (ODSP); and the Educational and Livelihood Assistance Program (ELAP).

Administrator Calzado has vowed to bring to the OWWA Board of Trustees for review the matter pertaining to the policy on the allowances and benefits extended to OWWA scholars.

Source: www.dole.gov.ph