ILOILO CITY — Effective this school year 2018-2019, at least 200 qualified students get to enjoy the PHP5,000 stipend every semester or PHP1,000 per month under the city government’s Educational Financial Assistance Program.
On Tuesday, the Sangguniang Panlungsod passed an ordinance creating a program that will benefit students, who will enroll in any undergraduate academic degree in colleges or universities accredited by the Commission on Higher Education (CHED).
A fund of at least PHP1 million is also assured whether in the annual or supplemental budget of the city government.
The program is open to incoming first year college students whose parents or guardians have a total gross income of not more than PHP220,000.
They have to be graduates of any public or recognized private senior high school in Iloilo City.
Councilor Lady Julie Grace Baronda, chair of the SP Committee on Education, said they would like to set a standard and extend the program to exemplary students but are lacking in finances. The SP has set an 85 percent passing score for applicants to qualify for the competitive examination.
Upon passing, the recipient is also required to have a weighted average of 85 percent. Also, they must not have a failing grade, incomplete, no grade or unofficially dropped subjects.
A scholarship commission headed by the mayor was also created to oversee the program’s implementation.
The city administrator sits as vice-chair while the city superintendent of schools, chair of the SP committee on education and SP committee on appropriations will serve as members.
The Iloilo City Youth Development Division of the City Mayor’s Office shall act as the Secretariat. (Perla Lena/PNA)
