TWO hundred students of the Southland College in Kabankalan City received P2 million worth of educational assistance from the Negros Occidental Provincial Government of Negros Occidental.
Each of the scholars were given P10,000 as allowance for the two semesters of the school year.
The distribution was led by Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson along with 6th District Board Member Jeffrey Tubola and Vice Mayor Miguel Zayco on May 4.
Southland College President Juan Antonio Villaluz joined Zayco, who is the school's Executive Vice President, in the ceremonial turnover.
"The obligation to protect and promote the rights of our youth and learners to quality education at all levels, and to take appropriate steps to assist all our learners, has become more imperative," Lacson said.
"Since becoming governor, I have met several Negrense youths and Negros Occidental Scholarship Program Office scholars topping their classes in universities, reaping awards and honors in contests, qualifying for prestigious scholarships, and the like. All these validate my belief that Negrense children are intelligent, talented, and carry vast potential."
He also urged the students to never waiver on their focus and take education seriously.
Lacson also thanked Mayor Benjie Miranda, Zayco, the city council and the management of Southland College "for your commitment to the furtherance of the education of the Negrense youth. May this activity motivate our continued and sustained efforts to think of ways how to further achieve the kind of quality education our learners deserve."
He also aknowledged NOSP for its efforts in providing assistance and opportunities to the youth. "The present provincial government will do its best to make sure that our programs will be responsive to the needs of the Negrense youth."
Southland College President Villaluz said, "The scholarship has made our students feel valued and supported, and we cannot thank you enough for that."
"Your generosity has not only impacted our students but their families as well. Your scholarship program has provided financial assistance to those who might not have had the opportunity to attend college otherwise," Villaluz said.