A total of 166 indigenous peoples (IP) students from the municipalities of Isabela and Binalbagan as well as Himamaylan City received P1.1 million in educational assistance from the provincial government of Negros Occidental on Tuesday (July 22).
The beneficiaries, composed of elementary and high school students, each received P6,750 to cover their school allowance for a period of nine months.
The financial aid falls under the Educational Assistance for IPs Basic Education program, a special scholarship category managed by the Negros Occidental Scholarship Program (NOSP) Division.
Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson led the distribution of financial assistance held in their respective local government units, in the presence of Fifth District Board Member Rita Gatuslao, Isabela Mayor Miguel Yulo, Binalbagan Mayor Emmanuel Aranda, NOSP Head Karen Dinsay, Milina Jeruta of the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples-Negros Occidental, and Ati leader Teresita Sinceda.
Lacson encouraged the young IP scholars to stay focused on their education, adding that he believes in their strength and potential.
“With the right support and opportunities, they can achieve their dreams and help improve their communities,” the governor said. ||
