At least 787 students from the different municipalities in this province have received financial assistance through the “Tulong Dunong” program of the Commission on Higher Education (CHED).

A total of PHP5.9 million worth of grants were coursed through the province’s lone district Representative Rommel Rico Angara, who personally distributed the aid to the poor but deserving students at the Baler Sports Complex here Saturday.

Each beneficiary from this capital town and the municipalities of Baler, Casiguran, Dilasag, Dinalungan, Dingalan, Dipaculao, Maria Aurora, and San Luis received PHP7,500.

“I want to make our grantees double or triple next year so that more opportunities will come their way. We will do it to the fullest level, together with Senator Sonny Angara,” the lawmaker said, citing education will help grantees to escape the cycle of hardship.

Earlier, Rep. Angara has filed House Bill no. 1564, an Act granting discounts on basic and education services to underprivileged students in all levels, including those enrolled in technical-vocational (tech-voc) institutions.

To lessen the financial burden of the underprivileged students, he said the bill proposes grants and discounts on basic services, such as food and medicine.

“Moreover, it also seeks to give them discounts on educational expenses, such as tuition, miscellaneous, and other school fees, including books and school supplies,” he added.

Baler Mayor Rhett Ronan Angara cited the importance of education, which he said is the best solution to poverty.

“The solid foundation in education is a step towards getting a job and earning a living, which is easily the most obvious way to lift yourself and your family out of poverty,” he said. (PNA)