The Commission on Higher Education Regional Office 2 oriented the beneficiaries of the Scholarship Grant Program for Children and Dependents of Sugarcane Industry Workers and Small Sugarcane Farmers (SIDA-SGP) on the salient points of the SIDA-SGP implementing guidelines on February 15, 2023 at the at the CHED Regional Office 2 Auditorium, Tuguegarao City, Cagayan.

Officials from the Sugarcane Regulatory Administration (SRA), SIDA-SGP Focal Persons, Finance Officers and scholars from 4 partner Higher Education Institutions (HEIs), namely, Isabela State University – Ilagan Campus, Isabela State University – Echague Campus, Cagayan State University – Carig Campus and Piat Campus, participated during the orientation.

Dr. Almacita P. Abrigo, Chief Education Program Specialist, welcomed the participants and accentuated the Commission’s commitment in rendering service as one of the agencies being mandated to implement the SIDA-SGP. The orientation is said to have a purposeful support in facilitating the uniform and standard implementation of the pertinent policy, and ensuring the compliance of stakeholders in the submission of documentary requirements and observation of procedures.

Mr. Rey S. Tuddao, Education Supervisor II and SIDA-SGP Regional Focal Person, spearheaded the presentation and discussion of the salient points of the SIDA-SGP’s implementing guidelines and procedures. He underscored the importance of apprising the scholars on the pertinent policy and on their various roles and responsibilities. Likewise, Mr. Tuddao oriented the SIDA-SGP Focal Persons and Finance Officers from partner HEIs on the finance-related procedures and utilization of the funds being disbursed.

SIDA-SGP is a national government funded scholarship grant that is open to qualified and deserving dependents of workers in the sugarcane industry, which covers undergraduate and graduate students who are enrolled or will enroll in programs relating to agriculture, agricultural engineering and mechanics, and chemical engineering/sugar technology that are offered in any identified State Universities and Colleges (SUCs).