Negros Occidental LGU signs MOA with the New Abanse Negrense IT Scholarsof Mapúa Malayan Digital College

The Provincial Government of Negros Occidental, led by Governor Eugenio Jose “Bong” Lacson, recently signed a memorandum of agreement (MOA) with a new batch of scholars under the Abanse Negrense Scholarship Program, powered by Mapúa Malayan Digital College (MMDC). Through this agreement, the province now counts hundreds of its youth among MMDC’s growing community of scholars.

“Education is the foundation of progress, and information technology is the key that opens countless doors to the future. Together with our partners and scholars, we are building a more resilient, more competitive, and more inclusive Negros Occidental,” said Gov. Lacson.

Since its launch, the Abanse Negrense Scholarship Program has opened doors for the Negrense youth to access MMDC’s digital-first, career-focused curriculum in business and information technology (IT). With each batch, the program strengthens the province’s commitment to raising a generation of job-ready graduates capable of contributing to local enterprises and competing in the global workforce.

Now in its fourth year, the scholarship program continues to expand opportunities for the Negrense youth to earn college degrees aligned with the needs of today’s industries. For the school year 2025-2026, the provincial government has increased its scholarship slots to empower its youth to thrive in the workplace of the future.

The partnership introduced a shared-cost subsidy model this year. Under this setup, the provincial government will cover the majority of each scholar’s tuition fees and miscellaneous fees per term until they graduate. MMDC noted that this model boosts student performance in class and encourages them to manage both their studies and work responsibilities better. This initiative reflects MMDC’s commitment to making education more accessible to working students across the country.

Scholars under the program get to work in the Negros Occidental LGU for a year, enabling them to help execute projects that lacked manpower with the right skills. Through this return-service initiative, scholars directly contribute to the growth and development of their province.

“As the eldest of six siblings, I had to pause my studies to support my family financially. It sounds cliché, but just like many manang and manong, sacrifice was not a choice—it was a responsibility,” Jonalyn Tumpong, Abanse Negrense Scholar, shared.

“The greatest opportunity I’ve received is being called a Scholar of the Abanse Negrense Scholarship Program, which has truly changed my life. I can continue supporting my younger siblings while still pursuing my own dreams,” Tumpong added.

The MOA signing was witnessed by Ms. Karen Dinsay, head of the Negros Occidental Scholarship Program (NOSP), a key champion of the initiative since its launch in 2022, and Hon. Rita Gatuslao, advocate of innovative education in Negros. Also present were current Abanse scholars, including members of the first milestone batch who are set to graduate this year.

“The impact of MMDC and Abanse Negrense Scholarship reaches far beyond just me. It provides hope for other scholars from our province and inspires a future generation of young people to believe in their potential. The opportunity I have now is a beacon of possibility, showing that with the right resources and community, even the toughest challenges can be overcome,” Kristine Encabo, Abanse Negrense Scholar, noted.

Alongside its partnership with the Negros Occidental LGU, MMDC continues to offer other scholarship opportunitiesthrough the Asenso Scholarship Program and City Scholarships. MMDC is also in discussions with other LGUs to apply the same model and help more Filipinos complete their college degree.

As an online college, Mapúa Malayan Digital College’s flexible education encourages working students and non-graduate professionals to pursue their college degrees while focusing on other commitments. Through its scholarship programs like Abanse Negrense, dreams of professional growth are now more accessible. Meanwhile, for those with limited time and resources for a full degree, MMDC also has industry-relevant certification programs that provide practical and job-ready specialized skills.

For more information about MMDC’s offerings and scholarship programs, visit mmdc.mcl.edu.ph.