FLORIDABLANCA, Pampanga- Some 52 Aeta college scholars in Floridablanca and Porac town on Tuesday, July 14, received cash aid from the provincial government in preparation for the opening of classes this year.
Elizabeth Baybayan, head of Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office (PSWDO) led the distribution of educational assistance in a simple ceremony held at two separate venues in Nabuclod Covered Court in Floridablanca, and Tent City Katutubo Village in Porac town respectively.
According to Baybayan, the said program is part of Governor Pineda and Vice Governor Lilia “Nanay” Pineda’s life-long commitment to help uplift the lives of the Aetas.
“This is a regular program nila Governor Delta and Nanay dahil ang pangarap ng ating probinsya ay mabago ang lifestyle ng mga kabataan dito sa kabundukan.” she shared.
Each received cash assistance amounting from P 5,000 to P 10,000 to help the scholars with their educational needs as the school year is set to start on August 24.
Jovan Lumanlan, a 4th-year Business Management scholar from Don Honorio Ventura State University (DHVSU), expressed his heartfelt gratitude for the continued support given by the provincial government for their education.
“Kahit sa panahon pong ito na may pandemya, hindi pa rin po nila nakakaligtaan mag-bigay ng tulong sa amin. Iba po talaga ang malasakit nila Governor Delta at Nanay sa aming mga katutubong scholars,” he shared.
Baby Joy Liwanag, another scholar, meanwhile also shared how the Pinedas have inspired scholars like them to strive hard in achieving their goals.
“Tinuruan po nila kaming mangarap. Nakakataba po ng puso kasi every time na nabibigyan kami ng assistance, mas nananaig po samin ang kagustuhan na makapagtapos sa pag-aaral. Gusto po namin masuklian kung hindi man maibalik ang tulong na binigay po nila sa amin,” said Baby Joy Liwanag, a 3rd-year BS Education scholar from DHVSU.