CITY OF SAN FERNANDO – The Provincial Government awarded yesterday the educational financial assistance amounting to P 30, 670, 000 for second semester to 8,202 scholars of the provincial government at the Bren Z. Guiao Convention Center here.
Governor Lilia “Nanay” Pineda led the distribution to the deserving scholars from all over the province together with the members of the Provincial Board, Provincial Library and Provincial Treasurer’s Office.
Specifically, a total of 3, 895 scholars from the Office of the Governor were given P 17.749-million and 4, 307 from the Sangguniang Panlalawigan were given P 12.921-million.
An amount of P 10, 000 were given each to 728 Valedictorians and Salutatorians; P 5, 000 each to the 487 Second and Third Honorable Mentions and P 3, 000 each for the 2, 680 Fourth to Eighth Honorable Mentions.
Governor Pineda congratulated all of the scholars, especially those who are about to march for graduation, and advised them to keep on striving because it is a rare opportunity to be chosen as scholars by the provincial government.
“This program is not for our sake, but for each of you and your families. Education will be one of your treasures in life that will help you achieve progress from poverty. Take advantage of it,” she said.
She also confessed that she wanted the success in implementing the educational program of the province as one of her lasting legacies.
The governor also announced to the student-beneficiaries that the provincial government through the help of the provincial board is seeking to find ways on giving travel allowance to senior high school students who are in need financially.
“I hope Vice-Governor and the board members will find a solution to also award transportation allowance to the senior high school students who are far from school and have minimum resources,” she said.
The awarding of educational financial assistance was also attended by Board Members Benny Jocson, Ananias Canlas, Jr., Salvador Dimson, Jr., Pol Balingit, Rosve Henson, Nelson Calara, Olga Frances David-Dizon, Cherry Manalo, and Anthony Joseph Torres.
A Motherly Advice
Governor Pineda asked the parents and the scholars to stay away from using illegal drugs to avoid ruining their lives. She also asked them to report those people who are using and selling illegal drugs to authorities for immediate apprehension.
“I only ask one favor to you students, even the parents: please stay away from illegal drugs. Many lives were ruined and destroyed because of it. Do not put to waste the efforts of the provincial government in aiding your education by just one single mistake,” she added.
She also said that more investors would like to invest in the province if the fight against illegal drugs will be successful. The governor pointed out that investors are opportunities for them to get more chances of landing in a decent job after graduating from school.
“There is an overwhelming flow of investors who are willing to invest here in Pampanga because of the efforts of the government in safety and the fight against illegal drugs,” she added.
Beyond School
The Provincial Library headed by Bessie Makabali also announced that the provincial government will be giving cash assistance to Provincial Government Scholars who want to undergo board examinations.
Under Executive Order No. 695 or the Extended Educational Program of the Provincial Government, the students will be given a maximum of P 15, 000 to pay for the review fee.
The requirements for the said program are Certificate of Review Center Enrollment, Official Receipt for Payment to Review Center, Official Receipt from Professional Regulations Commission, Notice of Admission signed by board exam watcher, and one valid identification card.
PHILIP OCAMPO
