More than 8,600 new and continuing scholars have filed their applications for the Camarines Sur Provincial Scholarship Program for the second semester of Academic Year 2025–2026. Governor Luis Raymund “Lray” Villafuerte, Jr. emphasized the Provincial Government’s unwavering commitment to education and the continued expansion of opportunities for students through the scholarship program.
“Education has always been our top priority, as we believe it is the best equalizer to empower our youth and their families. Through this program, we help ease their financial burden and enable them to stay in school, pursue their goals, and build a better future for themselves and their communities,” he said.
Among the roster of CamSur scholars who excelled in the September 2025 Licensure Exam for Teachers is Yvonne Flores Rodriguez, a Cum Laude graduate of Ateneo de Naga University. Garnering an impressive 93.40 rating, Rodriguez placed 8th among thousands of examinees nationwide. She shared that the scholarship eased her family’s financial burden, allowing her to focus on her studies.
“On behalf of the scholars, I am thankful for this program, which provides opportunities to develop skills, help families, and achieve our dreams. I am grateful for the Provincial Scholarship Program’s continued support for excellent students here in the province,” shared Rodriquez.
In another remarkable demonstration of the program’s impact, Jerome Hade Bustarga of Barangay San Isidro, Pili, received provincial support totalling US$ 34,714 (approximately 1.9 million) to complete his studies at Creighton University under the Engineering Physics 3+2 Dual Degree Program. A provincial scholar since 2022, Jerome is set to graduate this year from his dream university.
“I am really happy and beyond thankful for this scholarship. I actually told myself that maybe this is the answer to my prayers and that, maybe, God sent Governor Luigi my way to help me realize my lifelong dream,” shared Jerome.
Second-year Ateneo de Naga University student Raphael Julius Q. Sibulo expressed similar gratitude for his full scholarship grant, noting that funds originally allocated for tuition can now cover daily expenses and essential study materials.
“Thank you posa chance na ini na magbawas ang isipon mi sa pagklase. Dahil digdi sa scholarship, garo dai mi na iisipon kung "ah makaklase pa kaya ako sa aga or sa next year?,” he said, emphasizing the relief and peace of mind the scholarship brought to him.
From 2022 to the first quarter of 2025, the Provincial Government disbursed over ₱318 million in financial grants to 34,104 scholars. Most recently, on October 13–14, 2025, over 7,000 scholars from universities and colleges across the province received their financial assistance in cash and cheques totalling over ₱82 million.
The long-standing scholarship program supports students at the high school, college, and graduate levels, ensuring that financial constraints do not hinder their academic progress. Many former scholars have become educators, engineers, doctors, nurses, and other professionals who give back to their communities, demonstrating the program’s lasting impact on both individuals and the province.
