SOME 1,283 college scholars coming from all over the Third District of Pampanga received their scholarship assistance from Third District Representative Aurelio “Dong” Gonzales, Jr. on Saturday, January 18.
The awarding of the cheques was held at the Sindalan covered court in the City of San Fernando. The event brought in scholars from this city and the towns of Mexico, Bacolor, Sta. Ana, and Arayat. The distribution was in partnership with Commission on Higher Education Central Luzon.
The distribution is part of Gonzales’s commitment for the semester enrollment of the said students under the scholarship program.
“I urge all the student beneficiaries to study hard and finish their studies. This assistance, though without any grade requirement, should be reciprocated with good academic performance or at least diligence towards study,” Gonzales said.
Earlier in May, Gonzales announced that more scholarship funds are now ready to benefit the new set of scholar “Iskolar Ng Dong” program.
Gonzales assured his scholarship program will continue with its no maintaining grade policy and will be prioritizing indigent applicants as well as those who are children of farmers, people with disabilities and informal sector workers.
“I challenge each and every one of you to continue your pursuit to finish your studies and have stable jobs. You need to believe in yourself to accomplish this. I for one, will help you through scholarships. The rest is up to you,” Gonzales said.
Many students from the district come from poor families. Only half of those who graduated from elementary are expected to reach high school due to economic reasons and less than a handful are expected to pursue college degrees.
Gonzales said that he has instructed his staff to give due attention to students who would like to pursue their education and finish college degrees.
He said people who have college degrees have greater chances of getting good employment.