SOME 720 marginalized but deserving high school and college students from the 12 villages of Apalit town over the weekend received financial assistance as part of the local government’s continuing program to provide better education for the youth.

The scholars each received P2,000 during the ceremonial distribution held at the municipal multi-purpose hall on Saturday, September 22.

In his speech during the distribution, Mayor Peter Nucom urged recipients to strive harder and maximize the opportunity to study despite their family’s financial incapability.

“Education is the key in achieving your dreams and now that you are given the chance to study, seize it and take all the learnings that you can get and use it to provide a better future for yourselves and your families,” he told the students.

Nucom also shared his personal life journey wherein his parents, who are both farmers, worked day and night to provide for him and his nine siblings. He said that when his older siblings finished their education, they joined hands in sending the younger ones to schools.

Nucom likewise urged the parents to extend their patience and endure the struggles as they send their children to school for them to have a better opportunity in life.

“I understand that it is hard. There are challenges and your faith will be tested but be patient. Just remember that your endurance will equate to a better future for your children,” he said.

He noted that the local government is always ready to extend assistance needed for the studies of their children as his administration puts education on top of its priorities.

He disclosed that for 2018, the local government allocated P6-million from the annual local budget for the scholarships of indigent Apaliteño elementary, high school and college students.

“Our recipients now are those that receive the cash grants directly but we have more than 2,000 more scholars enrolled in various public schools in town that enjoys free tuition fee sponsored by the local government,” Nucom said.