• CHERYL G. CRUZ
A scholarship for persons with disabilities and children of solo parents is being pushed in Bacolod City, with an initial budget of P5 million.
The proposed ordinance, approved on first reading by the Sangguniang Panlungsod Sept. 3, noted that many PWDs and children of solo parents in Bacolod face socio-economic barriers that limit their educational opportunities.
Providing financial and institutional support through a local scholarship program will help alleviate poverty, promote inclusion, and empower these sectors, proponent-councilors Caesar Distrito, Celia Matea Flor, and Dindo Ramos said, adding “the city government affirms its commitment to promote inclusive development, equal opportunity, and social justice”.
Each qualified scholar shall be entitled to financial assistance for tuition and other school fees, books, transportation, and other educational expenses, with the specific amount to be determined annually by the SP, upon recommendation of the city mayor and the City Budget Office, subject to availability of funds.
The proposed PWD and Children of Solo Parents Scholarship Program shall be open to PWDs and children of solo parents, who are bona fide residents of Bacolod; enrolled in secondary, tertiary, or vocational/technical institution; have a general average of at least 80 percent with no failing grades the previous semester; and not a recipient of any other full government scholarship grant.
A qualified beneficiary shall submit an application with the Public Employment Service Office of Bacolod during the designated application period.
The financial assistance through a scholarship program will ensure that PWDs and children of solo parents are not left behind in educational opportunities, the proposal said, adding it is the policy of the city government to promote equal access to education for all…and to recognize the special circumstances of PWDs and solo parents and their children. | CGC
