Manila Mayor Joseph Estrada on Tuesday distributed P5 million in educational assistance to at least 1,000 school children in Manila under the city government’s Educational Assistance Program to uphold the rights of children, especially the underprivileged, to free education.
Under the EAP, Estrada said each of the children who are beneficiaries of the program received financial and educational assistance worth P5,000. They are enrolled in the public schools both in elementary and high school level and for Children Needing Special Protection.
“The assistance will augment family expenses for school needs such as ‘baon’ (lunch money), uniform, school supplies, school shoes, materials for school projects, among others,” the former President said during a simple ceremony at the San Andres Sports Complex.
The beneficiaries are from the five districts of Manila, including Baseco, and were granted funds for their educational needs as follows:
District I—220 beneficiaries, P1.1 million; District II—135 beneficiaries, P675,000; District III—125 beneficiaries, P625,000; District IV—135 beneficiaries, P675,000; District V—188 beneficiaries, P940,000; District VI—134 beneficiaries, P670,000; and Baseco—63 beneficiaries, P315,000.
The city chief executive said free education is one of his priorities to uplift the lives of many poor families in Manila and to give a good future to children who were deprived of education in the previous administration.
Estrada also advised students to study harder and give importance to the opportunities coming their way, like the scholarship grants.
“I want you to be an inspiration to others, so they could emulate you and do what you are doing as scholars of the government,” the Manila mayor said.
“This is the right time since next week will be the school opening. I want all of you to be ready and prepared,” he said in Filipino.
“Children, you have been given the opportunity to study for free. So, you must work hard on your homework at projects. Follow your parents, teachers and your school’s rules,” Estrada said.
Estrada said education is the key to success and wants every Manilenos to grow and have decent future and away from illegal drugs.
The mayor also extended his gratitude to the officer-in-charge of the Manila Department of Social Welfare, Nanette Tanyag, who continues to exert efforts to make this project a success.
“We should continue to unite for the betterment of our children who future leaders of this nation. Again, let us all join hands to regain the glory of Manila. Sulong Maynila,” Estrada added.