THE City Government of Taguig started on Tuesday, August 22, 2023, the distribution of school packages to students of schools that were formerly part of Makati City.
Depending on their grade level, the students who are now considered “Taguigeños” will receive a school package consisting of bags, daily and PE uniforms, socks, black shoes, rubber shoes, and a complete set of basic school supplies.
On top of this, daycare and kindergarten pupils will also receive additional items such as emergency contact cards, and health kit containing a bag, toothbrush, toothpaste, hand towel, and alcohol spray.
Taguig Mayor Lani Cayetano personally led the distribution of school supplies to students of Pitogo High School and Upper Bicutan Elementary School.
"More than the material things na itu-turn over, ang presence po natin ngayon ay testament sa kahandaan nating lahat to really support our learners, to really support their dreams and aspirations in life, and to do our best to show them that we are ready to cooperate -- handa tayong magkaisa pag ang pinag-usapan ay ang kanilang future,” Cayetano said.
(More than the material things that will be turned over, our presence today is a testament to the readiness of all of us to really support our learners, to really support their dreams and aspirations in life, and to do our best to show them that we are ready to cooperate -- we are ready to unite when what is discussed is their future.)
Pitogo High School Administrative Officer Dr. Mary Rose Roque in her welcome message highlighted the importance of the turnover of school supplies, noting that “it's day of significance, a day that we come together to welcome and embrace change, growth and the promise of the future.”
“The act of receiving these supplies signifies the transition of one phase to another, a transition that is marked by anticipation, enthusiasm, and a sense of readiness, to explore the uncharted territories of knowledge. Therefore equipping our very own students the means to express themselves and flourish,” she said.
Cayetano also briefly discussed to several students other programs and benefits for Taguig students as the City government launched the Lifeline Assistance for Neighbors In-need (Lani) Scholarship Program for students in EMBO barangays.
EMBO barangay was formerly part of Makati City but was transferred to Taguig City after the Supreme Court affirmed in April the decision of the Court’s Special Third Division issued in September 2022 that the disputed properties are within the territorial jurisdiction of Taguig City.
Among the affected schools were that Fort Bonifacio Elementary School, Cembo Elementary School, South Cembo Elementary School, Pitogo Elementary School, East Rembo Elementary School, Rizal Elementary School, Comembo Elementary School, West Rembo Elementary School, Pembo Elementary School, MakatiScience High School, Benigno “Ninoy” S. Aquino High School, Tibagan High School, Fort Bonifacio High School, and Pitogo High School.
Under the scholarship program, Senior High School graduates and all qualified residents of the city's 10 new barangays are entitled for a scholarship.
The program is not limited to the upper 10 percent of the graduating class but is open to all, and regardless of year levels.
It is even open to those reviewing for licensure examinations and taking post graduate studies.
High school graduates with or without honors can apply and receive P15,000 up to P50,000 per year, while those who will be studying in premier colleges and universities, or will be taking priority courses as identified by the Department of Science and Technology can receive P40,000 to P50,000 yearly.
Those who will pursue technical and vocational courses will receive P15,000 each year, and those who are reviewing for the board and bar exams may receive a one-time assistance of P15,000 to P20,000 plus an additional P50,000 if they land in the Top 10.
So far, the program has helped produce more than 3,200 licensed professionals.
The program also helped public and private school teachers in Taguig taking up their Masters' and Doctoral degrees.
So far, this assistance has helped about 2,000 graduate students with almost 500 of them successfully earning their graduate degrees.
All students who wish to apply may visit the Taguig Scholarships Office located at the Senator Renato Compañero Science and Technology Memorial Science High School in Barangay Ususan.
The City will also set up a satellite Scholarship Desk at the 9th floor, Taguig Satellite Office, SM Aura Tower to answer questions about the scholarships and to receive applications.
Applicants may also contact the Scholarships Office through (02) 828-88560 or message them at the Taguig Scholarships Facebook Page.
The City also said that residency or registration requirements will not be an issue as Taguig will recognize the residency and registration in EMBO barangays as valid and sufficient compliance.
The City of Taguig reiterated that it is committed to extending the same comprehensive services to its new residents.
Meanwhile, Makati City Mayor Abby Binay said the Department of Education (DepEd) granted her request to distribute free school supplies to students in the affected schools.
“It is such a relief for the City Government of Makati, but most especially for the thousands of affected students and their parents who have been anxiously waiting and hoping for the favorable resolution of the impasse with Taguig on this issue," Binay said in a statement.
“Finally, we will be able to carry out this annual tradition and ensure that the students will be ready on school opening,” she added.
Cayetano and Binay got into a word-war over authority over the affected schools.
Makati City said the Taguig City Government rejected their offer to provide free school supplies to the affected students.
The DepEd has temporarily assumed authority over the 14 schools affected by the row pending a transition plan. (SunStar Philippines)