The UP Diliman College of Social Work and Community Development (CSWCD) released the list of the 2nd Batch of students granted with the Fe Parajas Israel Benito Scholarship Fund. Commenced on the second semester of AY 2023-2024, a total of ten students applied for the scholarship program and five students qualified after carefully assessing their academic standing, income decile, and brief narrative detailing their reasons for applying. The first batch of scholars was launched last October 2023.
Two out of the five grantees were renewed from their previous scholarship grant. The 1st batch of scholars shared how the Fe Benito Scholarship became their lifeline, easing their financial burden which often hampers students’ ability to pursue education. One of the scholars recalled how the scholarship helped him not just financially but also to maintain a healthy lifestyle while being away from the comfort of his home by allocating some of his stipend to buy fruits and vegetables within the community. In addition, CSWCD happily reported that one of the scholars graduated from the college last semester.
In honor of his mother’s legacy, Director/Producer Ted Benito established the Fe Parajas Israel Benito Scholarship Fund to provide financial aid for students who are taking Bachelor of Science in Community Development (BSCD) and Bachelor of Science in Social Work (BSSW) in UP Diliman.
The scholarship program is a joint effort of Ted Benito, UP Diliman CSWCD, UP Alumni Association of Greater Los Angeles (UPAAGLA), the Office of Scholarships and Grants (OSG), which is under the Office of the Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs (OVCSA), and the Office of the Vice President for Public Affairs, UP Office of Alumni Relations (UP OAR).
The Fe Parajas scholarship program will be providing assistance to CSWCD students until AY 2027-2028.
Written by: Marie Ylenette W. Reforzado, Office of Alumni Relations