Imee’s education program helps more poor students

By Jennifer T. Pambid

LAOAG CITY – More students are now benefiting from the provincial government’s program on education.

Gov. Imee Marcos welcomed new set of Sirib youth leaders scholars during awarding of their stipend Feb. 11 here at provincial capitol.

Marcos said unlike other scholarship programs which focus on academic qualifications of beneficiaries, Sirib youth leaders scholarship program gives chance to poor but deserving students who have commitment to serve their fellowmen and community.

John Raymond Pascual of Laoag City, one of beneficiaries, said the financial assistance is a big help to him since he is a self-supporting student.

He grew up with his grandparents who passed away. He had no one to depend on since his parents were separated and now living with their own families.

After graduating from high school, Pascua worked as encoder, store and office assistant for three years in order to earn enough money to pursue his studies.

He is presently enrolled in the Mariano Marcos State University-College of Teacher Education as a second year student. 

He continues to do part-time jobs to support his daily needs.

Pascua admitted that his present situation is hard but with the financial assistance given by the provincial government, he continues to reach his dreams.

“I want to be a teacher. When I was in high school, my teachers helped and inspired me, so this is my way of giving back. (I want to help) other people and to serve the province as well,” he related.

Pascua expressed his gratitude to Marcos for assisting poor but deserving students like him.

“I hope the program will last to reach out for more youth in the province. I know that there are still those youth out there who are unable to pursue their dreams,” he said.

Relating to the scholars as a “family for life,” Marcos said the provincial government will try its best to provide alternatives to any problem they may face especially in seeking quality jobs in the province.