Living up to the guiding philosophy that ‘Education is for all’ and ‘Providing access to Quality Education’, Pangasinan State University’s AKKBAY program or ‘Abot Kamay ang Kolehiyo: Isang Bayanihan para sa mga out-of-school youth, earned a push from the generosity of a private company.
The Guanzon Group of Companies headed by Mr. Guanson Lo inked a memorandum of agreement with PSU to award financial assistance to 30 AKKBAY grantees from the nine campuses of the university in a simple ceremony held at the Aseana Hall of the Golden Lion Hotel on June 14.
AKKBAY or ‘Abot Kamay ang Kolehiyo: Isang Bayanihan para sa mga out-of-school youth’ is part of the PSU’s endeavor to give out-of-school youth a chance to go back to school and finish a degree. It was launched in July 2022 during the administration of PSU’s former president Dr. Dexter R. Buted through the office of the Academic and Student Affairs and earned support from the provincial government of Pangasinan, Sangguniang Panlalawigan and other local government units.
In an inspirational talk, Dr. Buted, who pioneered the plan of action for the OSYs reminded the youth not to lose faith but continue to reach for their dreams.
“Para sa ating mga kabataan, mga minamahal kong out-of-school youth, ang kahirapan ay hindi kailanman hadlang sa tagumpay. Naisipan po namin dito sa unibersidad na sila ay akayin upang makabalik sa eskwela at upang matupad ang kanilang mga pangarap.” Dr. Buted said.
Moreover, the Assistant Vice President for Corporate Administration Support of the Guanzon Group of Companies, Mr. Roger M. Bernabe expressed his admiration for Pangasinan State University for the beneficial project and to the aspiring students who wished to get back on track.
Ms. Kimberly M. Casaclang, one of the student grantees, took the opportunity to show her utmost gratitude for the financial assistance awarded to her and her fellow grantees. “Hindi lang financial support ang binigay niyo, pati narin self-confidence at marami pang opportunities. Now I am not starting from scratch but from experience,” she uttered as she gave thanks to all the people behind the AKKBAY program.
Also present during the event were the Vice President for Academic and Student Affairs Dr. Manolito C. Manuel, Director for Student Services and Alumni Affairs Prof. Celeste T. Mercado, Deputy Director for SSA Dr. Jocelyn Abalos and the Focal Person for Learning and Development Center Dr. Julieflor O. Micu, along with Campus Executive Directors and Student Services Coordinators from the nine campuses.
Pangasinan State University, with its new administration under President Elbert M. Galas, takes full support of the AKKBAY program and continuously creates an environment that provides access to quality education for all.
