• GILBERT P. BAYORAN
Some 201 indigenous peoples (IP) students from three local government units in the Fifth District of Negros Occidental received P1.5-million educational assistance from the provincial government.
Under the Educational Assistance for Indigenous Peoples’ Basic Education Program, a special scholarship category administered by the Negros Occidental Scholarship Program Division, each beneficiary received P7,500 to help cover school-related expenses.
Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson and Board Member Rita Gatuslao led the distribution of educational assistance to beneficiaries from the municipalities of Isabela and Binalbagan and the Himamaylan City on June 3.
In his message, Lacson encouraged the IP scholars to persevere in their education and strive for excellence, emphasizing that education remains one of the most effective tools for improving lives and creating better opportunities for the future.
He also assured the students that the provincial government will continue to implement programs that promote inclusive development and ensure that no sector is left behind in the province’s progress.
Gatuslao, chairperson of the provincial board’s committee on education, underscored the importance of education in empowering IP youth and helping them achieve their aspirations.
She encouraged the students to make the most of the assistance provided by the provincial government and to remain committed to their studies despite the challenges they may face. | GB
