EDUCATION continues to be among the top priorities of the local government of Apalit in Pampanga as nearly 4,000 college students were given financial assistance over the weekend shortly after lifting the election ban.

Apalit town Mayor Oscar Tetangco, Jr. said some P7.69 million were allocated for the scholarship grants of 3,849 college students from the 12 barangays.

“Tuluy-tuloy itong ating scholarship program since 2007 pa para makatulong sa mga estudyante at magulang at itong nakaraang three years, nag-aaverage kami ng around 3,500 kada sem ang mga college scholars natin, maliban pa sa mga high school students,” he said.

Unlike other scholarship programs, Tetangco said they are not requiring students to achieve minimum grades to qualify for the cash assistance.

This is to allow all students, especially those less fortunate, to pursue and finish tertiary education, Tetangco explained.

“Meron kasing mga bata na hindi sobrang talino pero gusto talagang mag-aral at iyon ang isa sa mga gusto din natin na matulungan. Basta ang bilin ko lang sa kanila, mag-aral sila at kapag nakatapos, tumulong sa pamilya at sa kung sino ang kaya nilang matulungan para marami kaming nagtutulong-tulong para sa pag-aaral ng mga bata,” Tetangco said.