The municipal government of Currimao, Ilocos Norte has released ₱300,000 in cash assistance for its first batch of college graduates preparing for their board examinations.
Mayor Edward Quilala, joined by members of the Municipal Council, personally distributed ₱10,000 each to 30 board exam takers after the town’s flag-raising ceremony attended by the beneficiaries.
Vice Mayor Judith Quilala said the program aims to motivate more graduates to pursue their professional goals and contribute to the town’s progress.
“The Currimao Municipal Council stands together with Mayor Quilala in a powerful belief: when we invest in people, we invest in the future,” she said.
The assistance is open to students in any course requiring a licensure exam — including medicine, engineering, teaching, agriculture, and fisheries.
Government data show that Currimao ranks among the country’s top-performing local governments, recording a ₱20-million increase in local revenue in 2024.
Education, next to agriculture, remains a key investment priority for the coastal municipality as part of its poverty reduction efforts.
“This project is laudable as it will help inspire the youth to continue pursuing higher education,” said Dr. Joven Cuanang, a neurologist, art collector, and philanthropist from Currimao.
Cuanang also encouraged the local government to promote marine sciences among students to help address environmental and climate challenges.