SANTA RITA, Pampanga — A total of 2,579 college students here received P4,000 each in educational assistance through the Ritenians Educational Assistance Program (REAP) during a distribution activity held on June 12 at the Santa Rita Plaza Covered Court.
The distribution was led by Mayor Reynan S. Calo and attended by Vice Mayor Ferdinand Salalila, councilors Kim Cosme, Rico Sta. Cruz, Nat Gopez, Roy Galang, Alex Cruz, Jess Pineda, and Jay Manalo, together with SK Federation president Reyner Santos Jr.
Implemented through the public employment service office headed by Jenn Reyes, REAP is a locally funded educational assistance program established under the Bayung Santa Rita administration to help ease the financial burden of college education for Ritenian students and their families.
The program was first introduced during the early months of Calo’s administration and forms part of his commitment to expand educational support for students in the municipality. In his inaugural message in 2025, Calo pledged that educational assistance would have “no cut-off,” allowing more students to benefit from the program.
This year, the number of beneficiaries increased, enabling more college students to receive assistance. The expansion was made possible in part through available municipal resources following the successful conduct of Piyestang Balen 2026.
In his message, Calo encouraged the students to remain committed to their studies, appreciate the sacrifices of their parents, and strive to become responsible and productive members of society. He also expressed his gratitude to the sangguniang bayan for supporting initiatives that prioritize education and youth development.
The mayor likewise highlighted the municipality’s continuing investment in education, noting that students from SNED (Special Needs Education), kindergarten, and Grades 1 to 12 have also received school bags, notebooks, and pad papers in preparation for the opening of classes.
For many beneficiaries, the assistance provides meaningful support for educational expenses.
“Very thankful po ako bilang student sa tulong po ni Mayor sa expenses po namin bilang college student. Maraming salamat po Mayor, malaking tulong po ito sa amin,” said student beneficiary Allijah Cabuso.
Parent beneficiary Ruben Dela Cruz also expressed his appreciation for the program. “Ito po ay maganda po, lalong lalo na po sa aming mga magulang na minsan po ay kulang ang kita pang suporta sa pag-aaral ng anak. Malaking bagay po ito sa amin.”
Through REAP and other educational initiatives, the Municipal Government of Santa Rita continues to invest in the future of its youth by providing opportunities and support that help students pursue their education and achieve their aspirations. Press release
