In a heartfelt acknowledgment, three newly commissioned officers of the Philippine Army expressed their deep gratitude to the Antique provincial government for the Educational Assistance Program (EAP) that enabled them to complete their college education. The officers, 2Lt. Jeannie Mandia, 2Lt. Ryan Galindo, and 2Lt. Jay Vee Mosquera, met with Antique Governor Rhodora Cadiao to personally thank her for the support that was crucial in their academic journey.
Mandia, from Barangay San Fernando in the capital town of San Jose de Buenavista, shared that the EAP was a lifeline for her and her fellow officers, all of whom came from financially challenged backgrounds. She highlighted the struggles of being a student at the University of Antique, mentioning the difficulties of managing school expenses with the help of the PHP6,000 per semester she received from the program. This assistance was vital for her to complete her Bachelor of Science in Criminology.
Galindo, from Barangay Carawisan I in San Remigio, and Mosquera, from Barangay Bia-an in Hamtic, echoed Mandia’s sentiments. Galindo noted the upcoming increase of the EAP benefit to PHP10,000, which was approved by the Antique Sangguniang Panlalawigan with a budget of PHP200 million. He believes this increase will significantly aid more students from low-income families in completing their education.
The officers also pledged to support other aspiring students who wish to join the Philippine Army, as a way to give back to the community that helped them. During the 2023-2024 school year, the EAP supported 2,996 college and graduate students across Antique, demonstrating the program’s wide-reaching impact.