The Navotas city government has given scholarships to 150 Navoteño elementary and high school students who excelled in sports.
Navotas Mayor John Rey Tiangco and the scholars, assisted by their parents or guardians, signed Monday the memorandum of agreement for the Navotas Athletic Scholarship Program.
“Sports not only improve the skills and stamina of the athletes. They also help develop self-discipline, self-esteem and respect for others,” Tiangco said.
“This is why we encourage our youth to engage in sports. We want them to stay away from vices, especially drug abuse,” he added.
Athletic scholars will receive P16,500 for transportation and food allowance, and P1,500 for uniforms and equipment for every academic year.
Their scholarships may be renewed annually provided they attend the training scheduled by the city government and win at least third place or its equivalent in any regional or national sports competitions.
The athletic scholarship is open to student champions in table tennis, taekwondo, swimming, athletics, badminton, arnis, and chess at the Navotas schools division meet.
“We want to hone the talents and skills of our young athletes who will represent the city in competitions,” Tiangco said.
Tiangco was the top-ranking player in the Philippine Tennis Juniors during his youth.
Under his helm, the city also provided academic scholarships to 248 high school and college students as well as teachers.
Navotas also offered scholarships to students of Navotas Polytechnic College, provided they pass the drug test and submit requirements. As of writing, 720 students have availed of the program.
“We intend to provide scholarships to young Navoteño artists next year. Our dream is to have our own Manansala, Liza Macuja, Nick Joaquin, and the like,” Tiangco said.