The Negros Occidental provincial government is allocating P5.7 million for scholarships for students pursuing information technology (IT) courses.

The scholarships will be offered in partnership with Mapúa Malayan Digital College (MMDC), a school specializing in IT education. 

The initiative began in school year 2022-2023 and has already supported 112 students in their four-year college journey. New grantees will be accepted for the upcoming school year starting August 2024.

Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson said the scholarship program is a significant step towards the provincial government’s goal of making education in business and technology accessible to deserving but less privileged Negrense students.

Karen Dinsay, head of the Negros Occidental Scholarship Program Division, highlighted the program’s aim to address equal access to quality IT education for deserving students. 

This initiative aligns with the governor’s priorities under the Abanse Negrense Development Agenda.

The MMDC offers a “leveled-up” IT program with a business focus. Students can choose from three specialization tracks: Data Analytics, Marketing Technology, and Entrepreneurship Technology.

“Our leveled-up, business-focused IT program aims to close skills gaps by ensuring learners apply tools and systems to best help launch and build careers in an increasingly complex work landscape,” explained Dennis Tablate, MMDC executive director.

This scholarship program goes beyond the capital city of Bacolod, as MMDC also has partnerships with the Victorias and Sipalay city governments in Negros Occidental.