CITY OF SAN FERNANDO – Each of 2,500 college students received P5,000 in educational allowance from mayoralty aspirant Mylyn Pineda-Cayabyab during the “My Scholars” awarding ceremony held Saturday at the LGC Center here.
Another batch of 2,500 students were set to receive the same assistance on Sunday. Coming from the 35 barangays in the city, all the recipients are students in both public and private colleges and universities.
“We do not discriminate; everyone is eligible for assistance. Sometimes, students in private schools struggle to pay their fees and even miss their exams,” Pineda-Cayabyab explained, recalling a mother who approached her for help in covering her child’s balance to allow the student to take the exam. “I sent my staff to the school to settle the remaining balance so the student could take her exam.”
Another student expressed her desire to join the My Scholars Program while attending a caucus with her stroke-afflicted father.
“I admire these students for their determination to pursue their education,” Pineda-Cayabyab said. “I genuinely want to help them.”
The My Scholars program is funded through Pineda-Cayabyab’s personal resources.
“Investing in students is investing in the future of our city. There is no greater weapon for the youth than education in their journey to success. I hope this assistance serves as a stepping stone to a brighter future for you and your families,” said Pineda-Cayabyab in her brief remarks during the awarding.
Parents and scholars alike expressed heartfelt gratitude for the scholarship initiative. “This is a tremendous relief for us, especially during these challenging times with school expenses,” said Mila Cervantes, a parent of one of the beneficiaries. “We are very grateful to Ma’am Mylyn for her continued support of students.”
Charlene Ocampo, a first-year Bachelor of Science in Education student and resident of Barangay San Juan, also conveyed her appreciation for the My Scholars Program.
“This assistance is a great help for us students, providing additional support for our studies. There will be no reason for us not to continue our education, especially with the many scholarships Ms. Mylyn offers,” Ocampo said.
Pineda-Cayabyab has also pledged to assist scholars in finding job opportunities abroad, particularly in Korea, after graduation.
Dismissing malicious gossips that she would impose the payment of tuition at the City College of San Fernando if she is elected mayor, Pineda-Cayabyab said free college education is legally mandated.
Part of her education agenda for the city, she said, is provide more students access to education and complete their studies, to establish more schools, expand course offerings, and improve the quality of education in the city. Punto News Team/Contributed photos
