Sen. Imee Marcos visited Tarlac State University for the first batch of DSWD's Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situation (AICS) payout on Monday morning (December 11) at the TSU Gymnasium.
A total of 10 million pesos is allotted for the first and second batches of AICS recipients of the university, where 1,000 students received 5,000 pesos cash assistance from the Department of Social Welfare and Development and Sen. Marcos in this morning's activity.
“Kinakailangan na tulungan ang eskwela at tulungan din ang estudyante kasi nakikita rin natin na nagta-topnotcher (sila). Ayaw kong tumulong 'pag mahina-hina 'yung estudyante, sa totoo lang, pero kung nagsusumikap at talaga namang gumagaling, karapatdapat lamang, deserve na deserve,” Sen. Marcos said in a press conference.
Sen. Marcos said she allotted the university 44.5 million pesos of educational cash assistance.
Some cash assistance is intended for 500 fresh graduates from DSWD's Kapit-Bisig Laban sa Kahirapan-Comprehensive and Integrated Delivery of Social Services (KALAHI-CIDSS) cash-for-work program. They will enjoy a 90-day provincial rate salary totaling 22.5 million while awaiting employment.
Moreover, 200 students will receive 7,500 pesos of cash aid under the Commission on Higher Education's Tulong Dunong Program, amounting to 12 million pesos.
“Ang ibibigay natin ngayon ay 44.5 million lahat-lahat sa Tarlac State University bilang pagkilala sa inyong pagiging kalidad na pamantasan,” Sen. Marcos said in her speech.
In his welcome remarks, TSU President Dr. Arnold E. Velasco thanked Sen. Marcos for supporting the university, especially the students.
“Noong panahon ko po, noong nag-aaral ako dito sa TSU, hindi pa po libre ang tuition. Higit sa lahat, wala pong ganitong scholarship na kalaki na tulad ng ibinigay ng ating mahal na senador… Huwag po nating sayangin ang ibibigay po ni Senator Imee sa atin. Huwag po nating sayangin ang pinakamahalagang pamana na ibibigay sa atin – ang makatapos sa edukasyon at magkaroon ng magandang trabaho,” Pres. Velasco said.
21-year-old Junadel C. Ganitnit, a third-year College of Education student, received her scholarship with her mother as she recently underwent an operation.
Junadel is the daughter of a tricycle driver and a midwife. According to the future educator, her scholarship will be a big help since she is still recovering and in need of medication.
“Nagpapasalamat po ako kay Sen. Marcos dahil binigyan niya po kami ng financial assistance. Sakto po nagpapagaling po ako, gagamitin ko po 'yung perang makukuha ko sa pagpapagaling ko at pati na rin po sa pag-aaral ko,” she said.
The event was attended by several provincial leaders, namely Vice Governor Carlito David, Tarlac City Mayor Cristy Angeles, Tarlac City Councilor Henry De Leon, Second District Board Members Christopher "Topey" Delos Reyes, Danilo C. Asiaten, Joji David, former Concepcion mayor Andy Lacson, former barangay captain of Matatalaib Winston Torres, Tarlac City legislative consultant Mr. Glenn Caritativo; businessman Mr. Victor Angeles, and PNP Regional Director PBgen. Jose Hidalgo Jr., to name some.
Meanwhile, TSU Board of Regents Hon. Reynaldo Catacutan, Hon. Dennis Norman Go, and Hon. Douglas Ferrer and university official Vice President for Research Development and Extension Dr. Murphy P. Mohammed also graced the activity as university representatives. (jlmm-OPA)
Photo credits: Jodie Andrea G. Pangilinan, Eduardo F. Laxamana Jr.
