Negros Occidental Governor Bong Lacson and Fifth District Board Member Rita Gatuslao led the distribution of educational assistance totaling P1.5 million to 201 Indigenous Peoples (IP) students from the municipalities of Isabela and Binalbagan, and the City of Himamaylan, during a ceremonial turnover held recently.
Under the Educational Assistance for Indigenous Peoples’ Basic Education (EAIBE) program, a special scholarship category administered by the Negros Occidental Scholarship Program Division (NOSPD), each beneficiary received P7,500 to help cover school-related expenses.
Gatuslao, chairperson of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan Committee on Education, underscored the importance of education in empowering IP youth and helping them achieve their aspirations. She encouraged the students to make the most of the assistance provided by the provincial government and to remain committed to their studies despite the challenges they may face.
“Education remains one of the most effective tools for improving lives and creating better opportunities for the future.”
In his message, Lacson encouraged the young IP scholars to persevere in their education and strive for excellence, emphasizing that education remains one of the most effective tools for improving lives and creating better opportunities for the future.
The governor also assured the students that the Provincial Government will continue to implement programs that promote inclusive development and ensure that no sector is left behind in the province’s progress.
“The Provincial Government will continue to implement programs that promote inclusive development and ensure that no sector is left behind in the province’s progress.”
Also present during the activity were NOSP Head Karen Dinsay, Milina Jeruta of the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP)-Negros Occidental, local government officials, parents, and IP community leaders who expressed their support for the educational advancement of Indigenous Peoples youth.
