Bacolor scholars get P1M from Gonzales scholarship program

BACOLOR -- Representative Aurelio Gonzales Jr. (3rd district, Pampanga) led Sunday the distribution of a P1-million assistance for 350 indigent college scholars here who are currently enrolled in various universities and colleges in Pampanga.

Gonzales held the distribution at the Bacolor Covered Court here, attended by hundreds of parents and student beneficiaries.

The lawmaker said the distribution was held in the feast day of San Guillermo, the town's patron saint, in a bid to remind students of the importance of reviving the town and bringing back its former glory.

"You as students can contribute to the development of this town by studying hard and fulfilling your careers. Go back to this town and contribute to its development," Gonzales said, adding that much has been done through legislation to rehabilitate the once lahar-ravaged town.

Gonzales is the author of the Bacolor Rehabilitation Act that aims to fully develop the infrastructure and economic components of the town which was once regarded as the "Athens of Pampanga."

Gonzales also assured scholars that the "Iskolar ng Dong" program, which now has 35,000 scholars, will not be used for political or propaganda tactics this coming election.

The lawmaker's scholarship program is the only one of its kind and scale in the province that takes in scholars without having to maintain a specific grade requirement.

"Everyone deserves the chance to have a decent education. All I ask of them is to finish their studies and not incur failing marks," Gonzales said.

The "Iskolar ng Dong" program covers elementary, pre-school, college, high school and technical-vocational programs. In 2012 alone, Gonzales had allocated some P14 million for his various scholars here.