PAMPANGA Third District Representative Aurelio Gonzales Jr. on Sunday, December 9 led the distribution of P7.2 million worth of education assistance to some 1, 200 indigent college students.

The students, who are currently enrolled in various universities and colleges in Pampanga, received P6,000 each.

The lawmaker said the distribution was held to remind students of the importance of their education and their moral responsibility to help their parents and the country after graduation.

"You as students can contribute to the development of your towns by studying hard and fulfilling your careers. Go back to your town and contribute to its development," Gonzales said.

Gonzales also assured scholars that the "Iskolar ng Dong" program 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.