CABARROGUIS, Quirino (PIA) - - The National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP) here has announced that the application is ongoing at NCIP Quirino Office for Community Development Fund (CDF)-funded Indigenous Peoples (IP) Scholarship Program and the Development of Mining Technologies and Geosciences (DMTG) program of the Didipio Mine.

Atty. Harvey Pugong of NCIP Quirino said a total of 85 slots will be allocated for IP students from Quirino and Nueva Vizcaya under the Dididio Mines Programs; 75 under CDF and 10 under DMTG program.

It can be recalled that the Didipio Mine, NCIP and the Indigenous Peoples Mandatory Representatives (IPMR) of the provinces of Quirino and Nueva Vizcaya recently signed two memoranda of agreement to provide scholarships to students from the ICCs/IPs in the two provinces that include Agta, Dumagat, Bugkalot, Ayangan, Isinai, Gaddang, Kalanguya, Kalanguya Ikalahan, Iwak and Ibaloi.

Applicants under the CDF-funded IP Scholarship Program must present certificate of indigency, confirmation from NCIP, proof of residence, voter’s ID, forms 137 and 138, good moral character, college admission test result, scholarship application and information sheet.

Atty. Pugong said the passers of this scholarship program are not required by the Didipio Mine to enroll in specific courses. They will receive P40,000 allowance per semester.

On the other hand, the applicants under the DMTG program will be screened based on their grades and income of their parents. Those who will be qualified are required to enroll in any mining and Geology related courses. They will receive P80,000 allowance per semester.

For further inquiries, interested applicants are advised to visit the NCIP Quirino Office located at San Marcos Barangay Hall, Cabarroguis. (OTB/TCB/PIA Quirino)