Laoag city: A total of 1,028 indigent students from various parts of Ilocos Norte received PHP5,000 each in educational assistance from the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) on Monday at the Ilocos Norte Centennial Arena.

According to Philippines News Agency, the program aims to provide financial aid to Filipino students from low-income families, as stated by Noah Lordleigh Ibana, focal person for education assistance under the Office of the Governor. Out of more than 5,000 applicants, only 1,028 qualified for this financial support.

"We enlisted our names under the program last April at the Capitol and finally, our education assistance came just in time for the payment of our tuition fees," shared Ghea Tajodloy, a 19-year-old second-year tourism management student at Northwestern University in Laoag City. Tajodloy, along with two classmates who also applied for the assistance, expressed gratitude to the government for helping students who are struggling financially with their studies.

Eliza Unel, a barangay health worker from Barangay 10, Laoag City, accompanied her daughter Rutzhelle Czarina to receive her cash assistance. She highlighted the significance of the amount for her family, expressing hopes for more programs to support families in need.

Governor Cecilia Araneta-Marcos expressed her appreciation to the DSWD for honoring her request and encouraged the student-beneficiaries to pursue their studies and complete their college education. She emphasized the importance of education, stating, "You are the hope of our province. Please continue to keep up the good work because your parents are the happiest when you can avail this kind of program." The provincial government, she assured, will continue to support student welfare.

The program requires student-beneficiaries to submit a valid ID, certificate of indigence, and a certificate of enrollment or registration form. Notably, 4Ps beneficiaries are ineligible for this assistance.