Speaker Martin Romualdez has launched another groundbreaking social service program in Iloilo City that would benefit disadvantaged students and the youth.
The Integrated Scholarships and Incentives Program (ISIP) for the Youth, an initiative of the Office of the Speaker in partnership with the Marcos administration, was pilot-launched Saturday at the West Visayas State University Cultural Center in Iloilo City.
“This initiative is in collaboration with several government agencies to assist disadvantaged but deserving students facing financial challenges in pursuing their studies. Remember, when our students graduate, they become productive members of society and contribute to nation-building,” Romualdez said.
ISIP is a financial assistance initiative for students in high school, Alternative Learning System, tertiary levels, and vocational education institutions.
A total of 2,000 students under the program in the province of Iloilo would receive P2,000 every six months through the Department of Social Welfare and Development’s Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situations to cover tuition and other expenses.
The qualified beneficiaries are also recipients of Tulong Dunong program of the Commission on Higher Education, consisting of P15,000 pesos for one year which they will receive in January next year.
“We are making history. Congress has chosen Iloilo City to be the venue for the launching of the ISIP for the Youth as a major component of the Bagong Pilipinas Serbisyo Fair (BPSF) of President Bongbong Marcos,” Iloilo City Lone District Rep. Julienne Baronda said.
Denie Villaruz, a sophomore Business Administration student at the University of San Agustin, said she is fortunate to be part of the program, especially since she grew up in a solo-parent household.
“I am happy. Our miscellaneous expenses increased, so the reduction in our tuition every semester will have an impact, especially since I was not accepted as a working student,” she said in an interview.
“I am very thankful and blessed because there is something that can alleviate our financial burdens,” said Patricia Angela Gallon, a graduating Education student of WVSU.
