Mayor Greg Gasataya pledged to provide an allowance to 664 scholars under the Public Employment Service Office (PESO) during the Scholars’ Assembly and Orientation Aug. 21, at the Bacolod Government Center.
“We assure you that within this first semester, we will be able to provide an allowance for the 664 students,” he told the students.
The new grantees will receive a subsidy ranging from P10,000 to P12,000 per semester, as part of the city government’s commitment to supporting education and assisting scholars with their living and academic expenses.
“The support is not just for tuition; the greatest need of most students is how to survive the day-to-day expenses,” Gasataya stressed.
He recounted a story in the early years of the scholarship program’s implementation about how two equally promising students experienced different outcomes. One had to stop studying due to unforeseen personal circumstances, while the other graduated, achieved success, and is now traveling the world.
As a staunch advocate for education, Gasataya emphasized that education is a right, not a privilege.
“Education is the right of every Filipino. Education is your right; it is not a privilege, although sometimes we still need finances to graduate,” he told the scholars. “We are here, striving to improve the services and assistance that the government provides. Do not waste the opportunity that is being given to you.”
The mayor encouraged the scholars to maximize the program’s benefits.
Jovelyn Canoy of PESO, meanwhile, stressed the importance of community involvement among scholars.
“Under the ordinance, our city scholars are required to volunteer in community activities. PESO Bacolod is very pleased that our scholars are actively involved in community initiatives of our local government,” Canoy said in the city press release, adding that participation in community service fosters the development of essential life and employment skills.
“Joining community service helps you develop your abilities, communication, and leadership skills, the very qualities employers look for. This is an important part of your preparation for future job hunting,” she told the students.
City Ordinance 386, authored by Gasataya in 2005 when he was still councilor, aims to provide a more responsive and comprehensive student financial assistance and scholarship program in Bacolod. ||
