MABALACAT CITY, Pampanga — In line with the city government’s thrust for “equal access to education” for Mabalaqueños, Mayor Crisostomo Garbo distributed P5,000 to each recipient as education aid for 493 students here.
Mayor Garbo along with Vice Mayor Geld Aquino and Councilor Carlo Aquino led the distribution. Total amount reached P2.465 million for the students at Xevera Lot Only covered court here.
According to City Administrator Emmanuel Ignacio, Garbo’s administration firmly believes that advancing equal opportunity and fair access to education especially for the poor, underprivileged and vulnerable sectors of the society will be a “game-changer” someday.
“In previous times, we have to wait first for our kuya or ate to finish their studies before we can go to school. One at a time. It’s not the case anymore, because you do have the city government now to rely on,” the Mayor said during his speech.
Ignacio added that the educational assistance was given to deserving students to help defray school expenses and cost of sending children to school. It was funded through the office of the Mayor and Gender and Development Office.
Meantime, Social Worker III Ma. Luisa Maglalang said the priority recipient-beneficiaries are working students in public senior high school, vocational/ technological schools, state colleges and universities.
Jolina Dizon, 19, from Brgy. Tabun and a 1st year Bachelor of Elementary Education (BEED) student at Mabalacat City College, thanked the current administration for this continued effort.
“My father is a tricycle driver. This is huge because it will help us in our school projects which are costly to produce,” she pointed out.
John Paul Abalos, 18, from Brgy. Dau, also from MCC (BEED) shared the same sentiments.
“It’s a big help. Additional allowance for me since I’m the eldest. Plus additional budget for school projects as well.Thank you very much Mayor Cris Garbo,” he said.
Students who would like to avail of such assistance can visit the Social Assistance Office (SAO), 2nd floor of the City Hall to know more about the process and requirements.
