CITY OF SAN FERNANDO, Pampanga—A total of 81 Aeta college students benefited from the P405,000 worth of educational assistance distributed by Governor Lilia Nanay Pineda during the flag ceremony held at Capitol grounds, this Monday.
The distribution was part of the Educational Financial Assistance Program (EFAP) of the Provincial Capitol which is one of the basic social services intended for underprivileged youth.
“Edukasyon ang susi para maabot ‘yung layunin nating maiangat ang pamumuhay ng mga kapatid nating Aeta. Kung makakapag-aral sila at matutulungan ‘yung kanilang komunidad, doon pa lang natin masasabing naging matagumpay ‘yung ating layunin,” said the governor.
The beneficiaries came from the different barangays (villages) of Floridablanca, Porac, and Mabalacat and were given P5,000 each. 20 of the students are studying at Don Honorio Ventura Technological State University (DHVTSU) main campus; 18 from Mary the Queen College; 33 from DHVTSU Porac campus; 6 from Floridablanca National Agricultural School; 1 from Megabyte College; and 3 from Philippine Rehabilitation Institute.
According to Beth Baybayan, Provincial Social Welfare and Development chief, 14 of the scholars are expected to graduate this school year.
Baybayan added that governor Pineda ordered the coordination between their office and Public Employment Services Office (PESO) chief Luningning Vergara to conduct trainings and provide employment opportunities to the graudating students.
Speaking in behalf of her colleagues, Joy Murillo, a BS education student, expressed her gratitude to the governor and other local officials for the assistance they received.
“Nagpapasalamat po kami kay Governor Pineda at sa iba pang opisyal na naging tulay para mabigyan kami ng pagkakataong makapag-aral. Malaki pong tulong ito sa amin maging sa buong pamilya namin,” Murillo said.
Governor Pineda was joined by Provincial Administrator Andres Pangilinan Jr and board member Ricardo Yabut.
By Liezel Cayanan
Governor Pineda distributes educational assistance to 81 Aeta college students. Also in photo are Provincial Administrator Andres Pangilinan Jr, board member Ricardo Yabut and PSWDO chief Beth Baybayan.
