Negrense IP scholar graduates summa cum laude

April 22, 2022 by No Comments

A MEMBER of the Bukidnon Tribe and scholar of the Provincial Government of Negros Occidental recently graduated Bachelor of Science in Hotel and Restaurant Management at the Central Philippine State University (CPSU)–San Carlos Campus with flying colors.Jim John Tolentino of Don Salvador Benedicto was conferred summa cum laude after he ranked first among the graduates with a general weighted average of 1.21.He is also a leadership awardee as Supreme Student Government president and was given the distinction for best in on-the-job training.He gave the valedictory address during the 71st Virtual Commencement Program, an online graduation ceremony that gathered 10 CPSU campuses in the province.In his speech, the IP scholar expressed his gratitude to his scholarship grantor, Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson, for the constant support during his college days.Tolentino is a recipient of the Negros Occidental Scholarship Program (NOSP) under the Indigenous Peoples (IP) category.As a provincial scholar, Tolentino received a stipend amounting to P3,000 every month plus P3,500 book and uniform allowance every semester in his second year until he graduated.Tolentino, the seventh among eight children of Elvie and Jimmy Tolentino, who are both farmers, gave tribute to his parents for their hard work and sacrifices.He urged his fellow Negrenses to “always believe in your dreams.”“Our weaknesses will never define our worth, remember that we have strengths, talents and skills, we have ourselves to rely on and we have our God who is not blind or deaf to all of our prayers”, he added.As he congratulated Tolentino for his achievements, Lacson lauded him for his determination and quest for excellence.“He is worthy of emulation, not only among IP students but also among Negrense youth,” the governor said. (With Capitol reports)