Nearly 2,500 students in Ilagan received financial assistance this past weekend through the city government’s Iskolar Ng Bayan initiative, aimed at supporting scholars from both public and private schools. The first-semester payouts were distributed at the City of Ilagan Community Center, providing much-needed aid to help students manage school-related expenses.
The 2,490 beneficiaries are part of the city’s larger pool of 6,443 scholars, according to Mayor Jay Diaz, who led the distribution alongside Vice Mayor Javye Diaz and city council members.
“We’re so thankful to Mayor Diaz for the cash assistance he and LGU provided, especially at this time of crisis,” expressed Mia Jenika Pascual, a first-year Criminology student of Saint Ferdinand College, reflecting the gratitude of many recipients.
Mayor Diaz emphasized that the event highlights the city government’s dedication to making education accessible for all Ilagueños. “This is a testament to our commitment to provide every Ilagueño access to quality education,” he noted. He also shared that supporting scholars has been a long-standing advocacy dating back to his time as a councilor, working alongside fellow councilor Rolly Tugade.
Inspiring Stories From the Program
The program has also inspired remarkable success stories, including that of Lorena Borce, a member of the indigenous Agta tribe. She received a full scholarship through the initiative, earned a degree in education, and is now working as a teacher, serving as a model of what the program can achieve.
“We’ll go around areas to assist students who are having difficulty because they don’t have the means to pay for transportation and food. We were the ones bringing them back and forth from school and straight to their homes,” the mayor added, highlighting the hands-on support provided to ensure students can continue their studies.
Diaz concluded that the program is rooted in the belief that education holds transformative power and that this vision continues to evolve to meet the needs of Ilagueños.
By directly easing the financial burdens of students, the Iskolar Ng Bayan program not only helps individual scholars but also strengthens the city’s educational landscape, ensuring that young Ilagueños have the resources to pursue their academic goals and contribute meaningfully to their communities.
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