IN A BID to stress the importance of good higher education, the Laoag City Sangguniang Panlungsod unanimously approved the allocation of P600,000 from the Philippine Gaming Corp. (Pagcor) funds to supplement the city government’s college scholarship program. The said program was enacted through City Ordinance No. 2005-064 to address the financial needs of poor but deserving college students in the city. The approved P600,000 allocation would supplement the initial funding of P900,000 for the said continuing program as student scholars who successfully finish their studies are replaced by new students each year. The said allocation was certified as available by the local finance committee. Laoag Councilor Primo Jay S. Ramos, chair of the council’s education committee, said the infusion of additional funding for the program would help more “deserving but poor” students wherein they only need to maintain grades provided in the scholarship program. According to Ramos, student scholars need to have a weighted general average of not lower than 2.25 for them to maintain their scholarship. City Hall records showed that there had been two graduates of two-year courses last semester. Scholars will receive a stipend of P1,500 monthly and with the supplemented budget, 60 slots have been opened. The said program has been one of the priorities of re-electionist Laoag Mayor Michael V. Fariñas and Ramos, who is running for the vice mayoralty post in the May elections. Aside from the city government’s scholarship program, Fariñas also has his own personal scholars in all educational levels as his way of helping deserving students and pupils. Meanwhile, the city government is set to offer summer jobs to students again. Salaries for the said summer employees would be shouldered by the city government (60 percent) and the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) (40 percent). The said salaries would be paid directly to the schools where the student is studying as tuition fee payment. Last year, 114 students availed of the summer job program of the city government. The Community Affairs office, which implements the program, is currently accepting applicants. The said office however will prioritize those who have availed of the same program last year. Students will be rendering 20 working days and they would be detailed in different offices at the City Hall depending on their courses or lines of specialization. Dominic B. dela Cruz
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