𝑷𝒖𝒓𝒆-𝑩𝒍𝒐𝒐𝒅𝒆𝒅 𝑺𝒖𝒃𝒂𝒏𝒆𝒏 𝑱𝑯𝑪𝑺𝑪 𝑴𝒂𝒊𝒏 𝑪𝒂𝒎𝒑𝒖𝒔 𝑨𝒍𝒖𝒎𝒏𝒖𝒔 𝑬𝒂𝒓𝒏𝒔 𝑮𝒐𝒌𝒐𝒏𝒈𝒘𝒆𝒊 𝑩𝒓𝒐𝒕𝒉𝒆𝒓𝒔 𝑭𝒐𝒖𝒏𝒅𝒂𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏 𝑻𝒆𝒂𝒄𝒉𝑺𝑻𝑬𝑴 𝑮𝒓𝒂𝒅𝒖𝒂𝒕𝒆 𝑴𝒂𝒔𝒕𝒆𝒓’𝒔 𝑺𝒄𝒉𝒐𝒍𝒂𝒓𝒔𝒉𝒊𝒑

J.H. Cerilles State College (JHCSC) Main Campus Alumnus Mr. Jeo P. Huminis, a pure-blooded Subanen from Lapuyan, Zamboanga del Sur, has been awarded the Gokongwei Brothers Foundation (GBF) TeachSTEM Graduate Master’s Scholarship and signed the scholarship agreement on November 26, 2024. Mr. Huminis, who completed his Bachelor’s Degree in Secondary Education, majoring in Mathematics, on July 25, 2022, is now pursuing his Master’s degree at JHCSC, his alma mater.

According to Mr. Huminis, the scholarship application process was challenging. He had to pass two rigorous exams before proceeding to the interview phase. First, he took an essay exam, an aptitude exam, and finally, the interview. Fortunately, he passed all the required stages and is now benefiting from the financial support and allowances provided by the GBF scholarship.

Dr. Starr Clyde L. Sebial, Chair of the School of Graduate Studies (SGS) Math Program and Dean of the School of Teacher Education (STE), served as Mr. Huminis’ mentor and facilitator throughout the GBF scholarship process.

The GBF TeachSTEM Scholarship program was established to provide financial assistance and support to exceptional yet underprivileged students and educators who wish to pursue graduate studies in education at GBF partner institutions. The program encourages scholars to advocate for STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) education in the Philippines, especially in underserved communities, providing access to quality education and opportunities for personal and professional growth.

Reflecting on his achievement, Mr. Huminis expressed his deep gratitude to the professors who supported him financially during his college years, including the late Dr. Mira Samin, Prof. Joean B. Palahang, Prof. ID S. Palahang, and Dr. Patricia D. Bahian, who is now his Dean of SGS. He also acknowledged the support of two government scholarship programs: the NCIP-EAP (National Commission on Indigenous Peoples – Educational Assistance Program) and the CHED-TDP (Commission on Higher Education – Tunong Dunong Program). He emphasized that without these scholarships and the guidance of these professors, he would not have reached where he is today.

Mr. Huminis’s journey underscores the power of inclusivity and equity in education. Through scholarships and mentorship, he overcame financial barriers with the support of J.H. Cerilles State College, which plays a vital role in providing opportunities for deserving yet financially disadvantaged students to access quality tertiary education, particularly Indigenous Peoples.