The Provincial Government of Ilocos Norte through Senior Provincial Board Member Matthew Joseph Manatoc and the Provincial Education Office led by Matilde Neri will distribute stipends to 52 athletic scholars on September 4.
The scholars, half of them from the cities of Laoag and Batac, will be receiving their stipend next week, Neri said. Each of the beneficiaries shall be given P1,000 as uniform allowance, and P500 per month throughout the first semester.
Manotoc, also a sports enthusiast, has been very aggressive in implementing programs prioritizing the youth involvement in sports, thus initiating the scholarship and stipend distribution.
He expects more youth athletes to vie for the scholarship.
“We hope we can fully make health and sports a lifestyle, not just a seasonal thing. Of course, we want to compete and excel in the different sports event like the Region One Athletic Association meet, and even Palarong Pambansa.”
Earlier, Manotoc authored an ordinance creating a Summer Youth Sports Program that aims to instill discipline, proper hygiene orientation, as well as talent development among the youth.
Meanwhile, Neri explained the scholarship “finance ruling,” stating that there will be two sets of stipend distribution; one for each academic semester.
She likewise reiterated that the scholarship is for elementary and high school students, and is hoping for more athletes to avail.
The scholarship is one of the education programs of the provincial government, specifically implemented to encourage and acknowledge the exemplary efforts of young athletes representing the province in regional and national sports events.