The provincial government of Dinagat Islands has released scholarship funds, ensuring the continued education of 537 college scholars.

Governor Nilo Demerey Jr. personally delivered the over PHP10.6 million scholarship fund to Don Jose Ecleo Memorial College (DJEMC) management during a ceremony in San Jose, the province’s capital, on Wednesday.

“The funding will cover the billing of the Provincial Government Scholarship Program for the first semester of School Year 2025-2026,” Demerey said in a statement to the Philippine News Agency on Thursday.

He added that the 537 scholars are enrolled in degree programs at the DJEMC, including Business Administration, Information Technology, Education, Criminology, Liberal Arts, and Tourism Management.

“By sustaining this program, more students from Dinagat Islands will be able to continue their studies despite financial challenges, ensuring that education remains accessible to deserving scholars across the province,” Demerey said.

In a separate statement on Thursday, the DJEMC management commended the provincial government for continuing to implement the scholarship program, which benefits hundreds of youths in the island province.

“By offering comprehensive scholarship grants to students across various programs and year levels, you have lifted the weight of financial worry, empowering our learners to devote themselves entirely to their studies and self-improvement,” the DJEMC management said. (PNA)