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11-20-08 Jinggoy aids 20 underprivileged students thru scholarship Posted: November 27th, 2008 @ 2:04am
Collectively called “Iskolars ni Jinggoy,” twenty (20) students who came from all over Luzon – from Metro Manila and Rizal to Nueva Ecija, Laguna and Tarlac – gathered in Sen. Padilla Room, Senate to receive their pecuniary allowances. Guests of honor in the awarding ceremonies were Dr. Emmanuel Angeles, Chairman of Commission on Higher Education (CHEd); Dr. Amelia Biglete, Regional Director of CHEd-NCR; and Dr. Catherine Castañeda, Director of CHEd Office of Student Services. The project, called Senate-CHEd Study Grant Program which started in 2002 pursuant to Republic Act 7722 or the “Higher Education Act of 1994,” aims to widen the access of the poor but deserving students to higher education opportunities. Grantees may take any four-year degree course, preferably in a state college or university and will receive P2,500 per semester for tuition fee and other school expenses. In his short message to the students and parents who graced the event, Senator Estrada underscored the importance of education and shared the same message his father, former President Joseph Estrada had imparted him with. “My father had always prodded me to finish my studies and have a diploma. He says, to have a degree is to have respect of your peers and to attain power that will enable you to help those who have less in life,” Estrada said, adding: “You see, knowledge is indeed power. When you finish your studies, you become duty-bound to serve your country, to pay it forward, and help others especially the poor. Unfortunately for some, knowledge is being used on wicked, personal selfish ends.” Sen. Estrada also pledged to donate his monthly salaries as a Senator for the uniforms, books and other school needs of his scholars. He said it had been his practice when he was Mayor of San Juan, where his earnings as public servant all go to educational assistance fund. Furthermore, Senator Estrada, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Labor and Employment, assured CHEd officials of his support in increasing the budget of the commission, in order to carry out its functions better in promoting quality and accessible education to all. Sen. Estrada noted that the aggravating poverty and unemployment situation can be traced to increasing number of children who cannot continue schooling due to lack of resources and opportunities, as he cited statistics showing that out of 100 students, only 42 will finish high school and only 14 will finish college education. |
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