For the past semesters, Insular Life scholars at UP Diliman have been receiving their allowances in full at the start of every sem. The entire amount was receivable via checks issued at Insular's offices at Quezon Blvd.

Two semesters ago (2nd sem. SY 2012-2013), someone had the "bright" idea of changing this already smoothly functioning system. It is unclear whether it was Insular Life who instigated the change or if it was the people at Vinzon's Hall. What is clear though is that the current system of issuing the allowances in monthly increments has been very difficult for the scholars, if not downright insulting. This has reduced these intelligent, hardworking students into virtual mendicants, who have to repeatedly ask and follow up on their allowances as there is no regularity on the schedule of deposit and also, no regularity on the amount deposited.

The money does not belong to the people at Vinzons who seemingly can do as they please with it. The money belongs to the scholars. And unless Insular Life is in the red, which I doubt, the full amount should be given to these bright and promising students.

As the saying goes:  "If it ain't broke, don't fix it."  Let's make life a little easier on the scholars.  Let's bring back the old system.

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