Ilocos Norte Vice Governor Matthew Joseph Manotoc talks to scholars in this undated photo. The provincial government distributed PHP6.2 million in stipends to 370 agriculture and fishery students ahead of class opening, with secondary students receiving PHP10,000 each and tertiary students PHP25,000 each. (Photo courtesy of the Provincial Government of Ilocos Norte)
LAOAG CITY – A total of 370 students taking up agriculture and fishery courses received their stipends amounting to PHP6.2 million ahead of the opening of classes, the Provincial Education Office said Friday.
Maria Deleilah Adriatico, head of the Provincial Education Office, confirmed the distribution at the Ferdinand E. Marcos Sports Stadium, where nearly 200 secondary students received PHP10,000 each and nearly 170 tertiary students received PHP25,000 each.
The scholarship recipients are enrolled in agriculture and fisheries-related courses at both secondary and tertiary levels.
“The same amount of stipends were released to the beneficiaries last year,” Adriatico said, citing that the provincial government continues to strengthen its education and youth development initiatives to create more opportunities for young learners.
The agriculture and fishery scholarship is among the education assistance programs for Ilokano youth under Provincial Ordinance No. 019-2020, offered to qualified applicants in recognition of the importance of developing future professionals who can contribute to food security and local economic growth.
During the distribution led by Ilocos Norte Vice Gov. Matthew Joseph Manotoc, he urged the scholars to study diligently and make the most of the opportunity provided to them through public funds.
The Ilocos Norte government offers various scholarship grants to students from senior high school level up to those taking medicine and law, including technical and vocational courses. On May 12, the provincial government initially distributed around PHP21.5 million in stipends to 1,794 scholars this semester.
“This educational assistance is a big help for us. The support being provided by the provincial government helps us buy the materials we need for our studies,” said Kristel Janella Baptista, one of the scholars.
Adriatico said the stipends for agriculture and fisheries scholars were released on a later date due to a delay in processing their documentary requirements.
Since 2013, the provincial government has sustained its educational assistance, supporting learners through various academic and leadership opportunities, including institutionalized sector-based support for agri-fisheries, law, and medicine. (PNA)