The LANDBANK Gawad Patnubay Scholarship Program, also known as Gawad Pag-aaral Tungo sa Maunlad na Bayan, is a remarkable initiative by LANDBANK that aims to promote countryside development by providing educational opportunities to underprivileged yet deserving students specializing in the fields of agriculture and fisheries. This scholarship program not only aims to develop skills in modern agriculture but also to renew enthusiasm for the agricultural sector, promote sustainable development, and reduce poverty in rural areas through quality education.
Since its implementation in 2012, the Gawad Patnubay Scholarship Program has achieved significant milestones. One of the key factors contributing to its success is the financial assistance provided by approximately 8,000 LANDBANK employees. Through voluntary salary contributions, with a minimum of one hour’s worth of their salary during the last working day of the year, LANDBANK employees demonstrate their commitment to supporting the education-to-employment initiative.
Furthermore, LANDBANK provides a counterpart of 50% of the total funding for the formal education program. This enables the scholarship program to support 110 scholars each school year, creating a meaningful impact on the lives of these aspiring students.
The scholarship program is open to agriculture students enrolled in 17 partner state colleges and universities. These partner schools have been carefully selected to ensure that students receive quality education and training in their chosen fields. By partnering with reputable institutions, the Gawad Patnubay Scholarship Program guarantees that scholars are equipped with the necessary knowledge and skills to excel in their future careers.
To be eligible for the Gawad Patnubay Scholarship Program, applicants must meet certain qualifications. First and foremost, they must be Filipino citizens. Additionally, they should have gone through the initial screening procedures of partner universities, such as entrance exams, submission of required documents, and preliminary interviews, which are standard requirements for enrollment.
Preference is given to dependents of active members of cooperatives of small farmers and fishers currently being assisted by LANDBANK or LCDFI, as well as Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries (ARBs) and Agrarian Reform Communities (ARCs). This preference ensures that the scholarship program reaches those who truly need assistance in pursuing their agricultural dreams.
Applicants must be pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Agriculture, Bachelor of Science in Fisheries, or any other agriculture-related discipline. They should maintain a general weighted average (GWA) of at least 2.5 or its equivalent in each semester, with no grades lower than 3.0 or its equivalent in any subject.
It is important to note that applicants should not be enjoying any other financial assistance, grant, or scholarship from external sources. This ensures that the Gawad Patnubay Scholarship Program reaches those who have limited access to other forms of financial support.
The annual total family income of applicants must not exceed PHP 300,000.00, as stated in their BIR Income Tax Return (ITR). However, exemptions on a case-to-case basis may be considered by the Selection Committee. For example, parents with six or more children may have an income that exceeds PHP 300,000.00 yet still qualify for the scholarship.
To apply for the Gawad Patnubay Scholarship Program, students who have passed the entrance exams or are currently enrolled in one of the 17 partner schools must submit the application form and other requirements to the respective University Student Affairs Office before the published deadline.
The requirements upon submission are the following:
- Duly filled-out scholarship application form
- Photocopy of the certified true copy of birth certificate PSA certified birth certificate
- Two 2”x 2” ID photos
- Medical certificate
- Photocopy of recent ITR of parents or BIR certificate of tax exemption
- Certified true copy of grades:
– For incoming 1st year – secondary students’ permanent records or Form 137 with GWA not lower than 85 or its equivalent and no failing grades in any subject; and supporting document/s stating that the applicant has passed the partner school’s entrance exam
– For incoming 2nd-year to 3rd-year college – summary of grades with a GWA of 2.5 per semester or its equivalent with no grade below 3.0 or its equivalent in any subject
- Certificate of good moral character coming from the school or university’s Office of Student Affairs
- One letter of recommendation from a previous teacher/professor
- Current resumé and list of activities, awards, and honors
- 500-word essay on “Why I am pursuing an agriculture-related career”
- Barangay clearance from the applicant’s home barangay
If you have any inquiries regarding the Gawad Patnubay Scholarship Program, you can send an email to lbp-cad@mail.landbank.com or download the program brochure from the official LANDBANK website.
The LANDBANK Gawad Patnubay Scholarship Program is a testament to LANDBANK’s commitment to empowering underprivileged students and fostering sustainable development in the agricultural sector. By investing in the education of these bright and deserving individuals, LANDBANK is helping to shape the future of agriculture and fisheries in the Philippines.
