A privately funded scholarship program initiated by retired Associate Justice Conchita Carpio-Morales is set to benefit select students of Mariano Marcos State University (MMSU) in Batac City, Ilocos Norte, following the formal signing of a Memorandum of Agreement on 23 December at the MMSU Administration Building Conference Room.

The agreement established the Justice Conchita Carpio-Morales Scholarship (JCCMS), a financial assistance program intended for deserving students facing economic difficulties. Under the program, eight qualified students will each receive P20,000 per academic year for up to four years, provided they comply with the scholarship’s requirements and conditions.

The memorandum was signed by Justice Carpio-Morales and MMSU President Virgilio Julius P. Manzano Jr., represented during the ceremony by Vice President for Academic Affairs Aris Reynold Cajigal. The scholarship will be open to students enrolled in key degree programs, including Agriculture, Accountancy, Information Technology, Nursing, Civil Engineering, Early Childhood Education, and Juris Doctor.

According to the agreement, the grant is designed to assist scholars with essential academic and living expenses, such as school supplies, transportation, and daily subsistence. University officials said the support is expected to reduce financial strain on students and help them remain focused on completing their studies.

Justice Carpio-Morales said her decision to partner with MMSU was influenced by the university’s consistent performance in licensure examinations and its reputation for academic discipline and excellence. She expressed hope that the scholarship would enable students to finish their education despite financial challenges.

“I am happy to forge this partnership with MMSU, considering that this university performs well in board examination ratings. I hope that this partnership will help deserving students finish their studies despite their financial constraints,” she said.

Vice President for Administration and Finance Fides Bernardo Bitanga thanked Justice Carpio-Morales for extending assistance to MMSU students, assuring her of the university’s commitment to properly implementing the program. Vice President Cajigal likewise underscored MMSU’s focus on strengthening student support systems, citing its faculty, academic offerings, and campus facilities as key pillars in sustaining scholar development.

Also present during the signing were Justice Carpio-Morales’ eldest sister Mary Lou Carpio-Claudio, sister-in-law Luz Reyno-Carpio, College of Law Dean Atty. Brian Jay Corpuz, CAFSD Dean Dr. Charlie Batin, CBEA Dean Prof. Emil James Tanagon, and Student Affairs and Services Director Prof. Lawrence John Tagata.