By LITO RULONA,
Correspondent
AT LEAST 481 students have availed of the city government’s education scholarship program this year.
City Council’s Committee on Education chair Suzette Magtajas-Daba told reporters.
The committee also announced during the orientation program held at Cagayan de Oro College – Phinma (COC-Phinma) gymnasium over the weekend that they are pushing for the increase of the student’s allowance per month
Under the present program, Daba added, every student only receives P1,500 educational assistance per month to student’s coming from hinterland barangays to defray expenses for books and transportation allowances. Urban-based scholars only receive P1,000 per month each.
“During the program, ila na kining gipaabot ang ilang concern for allowance increase. Sa atong mga scholars gikan sa kabukiran dili gyud igo ang ilang allowance because the board and lodging have not been included,” she said.
She said because of this meager support, many of the scholars fail to continue attending their classes.
In her message during the program, Daba emphasized that despite little support from the city government students must study and work harder.
“Aim higher, work harder and don’t let anybody or anything stop you from chasing your dreams,” said Daba.
Daba said her father Pablo Magtajas, former city mayor, used to be a scholar in Xavier University, College of Law.
She said he became a lawyer, a vice mayor for two years and a city mayor for 16 years.
“Who knows one of you might become a city official (someday),” Daba told the scholars.
The scholars are receiving P1,000 for the urban barangays and P1,500 for the hinterland barangays including Barangays Agusan, Puerto, and Tablon.
She said the Community Improvement Division (CID) will present a proposal to her committee regarding its programs, including the increase of the monthly allowance.
She challenged the scholars to excel in their performance, citing the recent achievement garnered by Lanelyn Nangcas from Barangay Tuburan as top 8 in the board exams in the field of criminology.
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