THE provincial government of Pampanga on Thursday, July 15, 2021, provided financial assistance to college students of San Simon town, Pampanga.

Board Member Mylyn Pineda-Cayabyab and Acting Mayor Leonora Wong led the distribution to some 99 students from different barangays here.

Each student received P3,000 cash assistance for their first-semester grant under the provincial government's Educational Financial Assistance Program.

According to Pineda-Cayabyab, the program is Governor Dennis Pineda's way of showing moral support to students, especially those who really push through with their studies to have a better future.

"More than the monetary assistance, we wanted to show them that we support them in their goal of finishing their studies and get better opportunities. I know this is not much but we are hopeful that it will help the students in achieving their goals in life," she said.

She also cited the importance of education in creating a better future for students and their respective families.

"Education is the only thing that cannot be taken away from us. All material things can get lost or broken but whatever you learn in school will always stay with you," Pineda-Cayabyab said.

Wong, for her part, expressed gratitude to the provincial government for their continuous support of Simonian students.

"Some of the beneficiaries here are working students. They work at an early age to finish their studies and at the same time, help with their family's financial situation so I know that this assistance is really helpful for them," she said.

Joining the two lady officials in the distribution are Board Members Pol Balingit, Nelson Calara Gabby Mutuc, Asyong Macapagal and Sangguniang Bayan members.