By Leilanie Adriano/PNA
LAOAG CITY — Around 430 provincial government scholars received on Monday their stipends amounting to a total of over PHP2.3 million at the Ilocos Norte Centennial Arena here.
Each of the Sirib (Intelligence) Young Leader Scholars received PHP6,750 each for the first semester of August-October, while the Sirib Community Leader Scholars were given PHP3,500 each.
Three types of scholarship are being offered under the Ilocos Norte government scholarship program. These are the Sirib Academic, Sirib Young Leadership, and Sirib Community Leadership. The first two provide a monthly stipend and tuition fee, while the third provides a fixed stipend every semester for the beneficiaries.
Last November, close to 500 academic scholars also got their stipends worth PHP2,250 monthly. Aside from maintaining a certain general weighted average, Sirib scholars exemplify youth involvement, as beneficiaries are required to serve 50 hours of community service per semester.
For Ella Agcaoili, a resident of Barangay Panzian, Pagudpud town, the stipend is a big help for his son, Kevin James, who is taking up Hotel and Restaurant Management course at the Northwestern University.
“This is a big help for us, parents, who are trying to make ends meet for our children. I hope this will be sustained,” said Agcaoili in the local language.
As a priority program of the Ilocos Norte government, around PHP30 million is being allocated as education assistance to poor but deserving students in the province.
For the school year 2017-2018, members of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan approved Provincial Ordinance No. 005-2016, giving scholar grants to some 50 qualified athletes in the province.
“We are happy that we will be able to provide another opportunity for our youths, who are not only academic or community-oriented, but are also now into sports. I hope it will encourage the youth to play sports and become scholars,” Senior Board Member Matthew Manotoc said. Manotoc sponsored the ordinance.
Under the program, underprivileged but deserving young athletes would be able to continue their studies until college while enhancing their skills and talents in their respective fields.
Elementary and high school scholars will be given PHP6,000 per school year, while college scholars will receive more than PHP30,000 for two semesters.
Beneficiaries are chosen based on their athletic performances, need for financial assistance, and willingness to finish studies.
