City of San Fernando— First Councilor Angie Hizon has for called for the end of politicizing government scholarship programs here adding that an institutionalized scholarship program will greatly help students.
Hizon said that scholarship grants should not be used as political tools and should be made available and accessible based on a system of standards and merits.
Hizon made this statement during the candidates’ forum held at University of the Assumption last April 10 facilitated by CLTV 36.
“First we must identify who are the so- called out of school youth in every barangay or community,” Hizon said adding that systems should be in place in the selection of beneficiaries.
“After we identified and classified, then the comprehensive programs come in. Some are: scholarship with financial support for family livelihood, enroll in Alternative Learning System or TESDA for skills enhancement, parenting and livelihood program and counseling,” Hizon said adding that this will ensure the effectivity of the program as it is molded through the respective needs of students. Hizon said that the institutionalization of the scholarship program for students through council legislation would effectively provide regular and available budget for the program.
The institutionalization of the program with effective safeguards in place will deter the use of the scholarship assistance program as a political tool.
Hizon, who is running for city vice mayor, said that she will continue to press for the support of such an initiative in the city council if given a chance to serve. She added that she will also push for a monitoring system on the beneficiaries of the program and support for some needs or processes.