CITY OF SAN FERNANDO, Pampanga – The provincial government headed by Governor Lilia “Nanay” G. Pineda distributed financial assistance for education in the amount of P16,455,000 to 4077 college students from various parts of the province during a small gathering held at the Bren Z. Guiao Convention Center in this city Tuesday.
It was learned, the event was part of the provincial government’s Educational Financial Assistance Program (EFAP), one of its basic social services intended for underprivileged youth belonging to the top of their respective classes and programs, also hailed as “Capitol scholars”.
In a report shown by Provincial Librarian Bessie Makabali, the amount awarded to each honor student depends on their respective ranking. Class valedictorians, salutatorians, and first honorable mention awardees were granted P10,000 each; second and third honorable mention awardees were given P5,000 each; and the other honor students received P2,500 each.
Governor Pineda was also joined by Vice Governor Dennis Pineda and Board Members Cris Garbo, Cherry Manalo, Tonton Torres, Rosve Henson, Nestor Tolentino and Ric Yabut. Said members of the provincial board advised the scholars to prioritize their studies above everything else.
Tolentino stressed the importance of education in accomplishing their individual goals and in the further development of the province in the near future while Garbo appealed to the students to veer away from the use of illegal drugs as it can hinder their success in life.
The governor also revealed, the Capitol is already forging a partnership with Clark Development Corporation President Arthur Tugade for the provision of training and job opportunities for the Capitol scholars in Clark.
In total, Governor Pineda has allotted P82,672,588.50 for the Educational Financial Assistance Program since its inception in 2011.
By Angelique DC. Tuazon
