GMA's “Bangkang Papel boys,” assures continuing Scholarship by Pnoy

A June 9, 2011 press release by the Department of Social Welfare and Development

The Department of Social Welfare and Development granted Erwin Dolera, one of the three popularly known as the former president’s “Bangkang Papel boys,” a renewed scholarship for the school year 2010-2011, covering full payment of his tuition fees and miscellaneous expenses.

Erwin and two other boys were granted scholarships by now Pampanga Representative Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, which were to last until the end of the previous administration.

Erwin is now a 4^th year student at the Trinity University of Asia (TUA) taking up Bachelor of Arts in Mass Communications.

Social Welfare and Development Secretary Corazon Juliano-Soliman said that, as per coordination with the College Registrar of TUA, Erwin is already enrolled for the first semester of school year 2011-2012. In an interview with DSWD social workers, Ms.  Erma Dolera-Palanas, biological sister of Erwin, disclosed that Erwin’s full tuition for the first semester has been waived since Erwin was elected as the university’s overall central president of the Student Council. His miscellaneous fees, on the other hand, were shouldered by the office of Representative Arroyo.

Ms. Dolera-Palanas added that the school expenses of her brother during his summer practicum at the ABS-CBN Broadcasting Corporation covering the TV station and radio stations DZMM and 101.9 FM  were shouldered by their church pastor.

Secretary Soliman commended the Dolera siblings for their resourcefulness in generating funds for Erwin’s school needs and expenses.

Ms. Dolera-Palanas, however, expressed that they have difficulty in meeting the daily transportation needs of Erwin. She requested from the DSWD for transportation assistance for Erwin.

“We will discuss Ms. Dolera-Palanas’ request for transportation assistance with the office of the Presidential Management Staff for fund allocation. Rest assured that we will not compromise the education of Erwin who is doing good in both his academics and extracurricular activities,” Secretary Soliman said.