CITY OF SAN FERNANDO — In a bid to help the families of the poor but deserving students in the province, Vice Governor Joseller “Yeng” Guiao awarded P2.2-million as scholarship grants for the 200 students of Visualcom College held at the covered court of barangay San Jose Panlumacan, this city.

Guiao, who has filed his candidacy for the congressional race in the 1^st district said, he understood the plight of the marginalized families who dream that their children be sent to college and finish their education.

“ I still remember when we were young, my father, former Governor Bren Z. Guiao told us that we should pursue our college education and we study hard and this is the only thing they could give us,” Guiao told the students of Visualcom, a TESDA registered college.

The vice governor said, the only thing that he asked from the students is for them to study hard and excel in their field of studies as he added that finishing college education is one of the great ways to escape from the bondage of poverty.

Guiao said, for three consecutive years, he has consistently provided scholarship grants to poor but deserving students.  It was learned that in 2010 and 2011, Guiao has 40 to 50 scholars.

“May mga nag-graduate na at nagtatrabaho na sa ibat-ibang pampribado at pampublikong tanggapan. Iyon lang siguro ang ating kasiyahan bilang lingkod-bayan na mabalitaan natin na may maganda ng hanapbuhay ang ating mga scholars,” Guiao said.

Jeramiel Valiente, a former scholar of the vice-governor said that he is grateful because with the support of Guiao, he has finished his education and he is now an employee of Visualcom.

Annie Pineda, a scholar said, the scholarship grants provided by Guiao is a big boost to her studies as she only came from a poor family who has a meager income.

“Malaking tulong po ito sa aming pag-aaral, kaya nagpapasalamat po kami kay Vice Governor Yeng. Mahal na mahal po namin kayo. Hindi po namin kayo makakalimutan,” the students told Guiao during the awarding.

Lucy Del Rosario, one of the parents who attended the ceremony told Guiao that he plays a big part in their family as he provides for the education of their child. “Maraming-maraming salamat, Vice Gov,” Del Rosario said.

Dr. Joseline M. Ponio, vice president for external affairs said, the vice governor has worked closely with college institutions to help students finish their education.