By Leilanie G. Adriano
Staff Reporter
LAOAG CITY—In time for the opening of classes, a total of 643 scholars of the Provincial Government of Ilocos Norte received their stipends on June 3, 2019 at the Centennial Arena, this city.
Outgoing senior Sangguniang Panlalawigan member and Ilocos Norte Governor-elect Matthew Joseph M. Manotoc personally handed the cash assistance fund, which ranges from PHP2,250 to PHP3,500 per month for each government scholar.
To date, there are three types of scholarships being offered by the provincial government. These are the Sirib Academic Scholarship, with 219 scholars; Sirib Young Leadership Scholarship, 239scholars; and Sirib Community Leadership and Tech-Voc Scholarship, 185 scholars. The first two scholarship provide a monthly stipend and tuition fee, while the latter provides a fixed stipend every semester for beneficiaries.
As a government scholar, the provincial government encourages beneficiaries to become actively involved in the programs and activities of their respective Barangays or in school.
Among these programs and activities may include participation in the annual “Brigada Eskwela” among schools or in clean-up drives or tree-planting activities organized by various government and non-government organizations.
During his short speech, Mr. Manotoc lauded the scholars for their great contribution to the province.
“We are happy that we are able to provide more opportunities to our youth who are not only academic or community-oriented, but also excel in sports. I hope this will inspire more students to do well in school,” he said.
Under his new administration, he assured to sustain if not add more to the number of scholars.
Every year, the Ilocos Norte government allocates around PHP30 million as education assistance to poor but deserving students in the province.