The Negros Occidental provincial government has renewed its commitment to teacher education by partnering with the University of St. La Salle (USLS) to offer 600 scholarship slots for public school and diocesan teachers.
This initiative, part of the Project FREE (Flagships to Reach Educational Excellence-Paglaum) program, aims to enhance the qualifications of educators in the province and improve the quality of education.
The partnership with USLS marks the fourth batch of teachers who will have the opportunity to pursue master’s or doctoral degrees since the program’s inception in 2020 under Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson’s administration.
The provincial government will cover the tuition fees for 500 slots, while USLS will shoulder the remaining 100 slots. A total of P24.510 million has been allocated for the latest batch of scholars.
Governor Lacson expressed his belief in the potential of Negrense talent and emphasized the importance of providing opportunities for skill enhancement. He stated, “With proper opportunities and skills enhancement, Negrense students can rise to the challenges posed by modernization and globalization.”
Br. Joaquin Severino Martinez, USLS president and chancellor, highlighted the shared values and mission of the province and the university in promoting quality education. He underscored the role of education in shaping the future of the region.
The post-graduate degree programs offered under Project FREE include Master of Education, Master of Science in Guidance Counseling, Master of Arts in Education, and Doctor of Philosophy.
