Nine (9) students from Samar Colleges, Inc. (Samar College), all grantees of the Scholarship Program for Coconut Farmers and their Families (CoScho), are set to graduate this year. Of the nine, seven attended the Student Financial Assistance Program (StuFAP) Scholars' Summit organized by the Commission on Higher Education Regional Office VIII (CHEDRO VIII) on May 20, 2025, at Leyte Normal University, Tacloban City. Two scholars were unable to attend due to urgent personal matters.

The summit aimed to recognize all graduating StuFAP scholars in the region and provide information on available post-graduation opportunities.

Accompanying the Samar College scholars was Ms. Cherry Angelie G. Florentino, the institution’s Scholarship Programs Coordinator.

CHEDRO VIII Regional Director Dr. Maximo C. Aljibe formally opened the event, welcoming participants, acknowledging the support of Higher Education Institutions (HEIs), and congratulating all graduating scholars.

The summit featured four main sessions from partner agencies: the Philippine Coconut Authority (PCA), the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), the Department of Science and Technology (DOST), and the Local Graduate Scholarships Office (LGSO).

The PCA, as the lead agency of the CoScho program, discussed return service guidelines, stating that the required service period is proportional to the number of years a student received the scholarship. Grantees were encouraged to serve in partner institutions or start coconut-based enterprises.

DOLE provided updates on regional labor statistics, legal employment age, minimum wage policies, and upcoming wage increase plans.

DOST highlighted available graduate study scholarships and the financial subsidies offered to help students pursue careers in Science and Technology.

LGSO focused on the Scholarships for Instructors’ Knowledge Advancement Program (SIKAP), designed for current or former HEI teaching personnel aiming to pursue advanced degrees and return to the academe.

The event concluded with closing remarks from Dr. Leo D. Camposano, OIC-Chief Education Program Specialist, who expressed gratitude to scholars and institutional partners for their continued support.

The StuFAP is CHED’s umbrella initiative that provides educational funding through scholarships, grants-in-aid, and student loans.

By actively supporting programs like StuFAP, Samar College reaffirms its commitment to providing students with meaningful opportunities that help shape their academic journey and future careers.