Sixty-two TSUian scholars of the Philippine Army Finance Center Producers Integrated Cooperative (PAFCPIC) and their parents received stipend and values enrichment earlier today (March 22) at the Main AVR.
This is the first values enrichment session presided over by a partner organization of Tarlac State University through Mr. Dominic Savio Maglalang, Aslag Ning Pag-Asa Inc. chairperson and a human resources practitioner.
His discussion centered on parenting and positive communication within the family, noting that parents should show empathy toward their children, especially when they share problems and concerns.
“Communication plays a crucial role in family dynamics. Unang-una, understanding–pang-unawa, pagtitiwala, at ang mahalaga rito 'yung koneksyon ninyo bilang mag-anak. You need to build that connection [that is] through communication [only],” Maglalang said.
According to Maglalang, it is important for parents to foster trust, emotional connection, and understanding in their own homes. Parents should set clear expectations, encourage open dialogue while expressing their emotions, and apply active listening.
“Hindi po automatic [na] pagkakatiwalaan kayo ng anak ninyo. Kinakailangan ninyong mag-invest sa mga activities, sa mga bagay-bagay na nangyayari sa buhay nila na kasama kayo. Kung may pagkakataon po na kailangan ng assurance ng anak ninyo na katulad nito (stipend awarding), na nandito 'yung magulang at anak ninyo na magkasama kayo,” Maglalang said.
The stipend awarded to the PAFCPIC scholars, consisting of persons with disabilities and Indigenous Peoples, spans January to April 2024 or the second semester of the academic year 2023-2024.
One of the recipients is Kevin Kyle S. Manalang, 22, a graduating BS Physical Education student who belongs to the Aeta Magan-tsi tribe of Brgy. Maruglo in Capas, Tarlac.
He is part of the first batch of PAFCPIC scholars who received a tablet as a learning device in December 2021.
As the eldest in a brood of three, his stipend helps his family with living expenses since their parents' income as a sewer and mechanic does not suffice with their daily expenses.
"Malaking tulong po 'yung scholarship lalo na nung pandemic kasi binigyan kami ng gadgets na magagamit. Nakatulong din po siya sa pangkain namin araw-araw dahil nga po lockdown nung mga panahon iyon. 'Yung natatanggap po naming scholarship ay nakatulong po para mairaos po namin yung pang-araw-araw na pamumuhay namin," he said in an interview.
Part of the amount he received today will be intended for his younger sibling's medical checkup.
Ngayon naman po, 'yung ibang pera na matatanggap ko po ay pandagdag tulong ko po sa kapatid ko na may problema po sa puso. Itutulong ko po 'yung pera sa parents ko para makapunta po sila sa Heart Center," he added.
He was a second-year student when he became a PAFCPIC scholar. Currently, he is a practice teacher at O'Donnell High School, also in Capas town.
“Kaya ko rin po kinuha 'yung Physical Education [program] kasi gusto ko pong makilala 'yung mga kapatid na Aeta na hindi lamang po sa academics, pati rin po sa sports," Manalang said.
He plans to take the Licensure Examination for Professional Teachers after graduation and prefers to teach in Brgy Sta Juliana, where he finished his secondary level. His decision addresses the need for more teachers to help his fellow Aetas finish their education.
This scholarship is sponsored by the cooperative composed of civilian and military personnel from the Philippine Army, Philippine Navy, and Philippine Air Force. (jlmm-OPA)
