Ilocos norte: A total of 370 students enrolled in agriculture and fishery courses have received stipends amounting to PHP6.2 million, as confirmed by the Provincial Education Office. The distribution took place at the Ferdinand E. Marcos Sports Stadium, where nearly 200 secondary students and 170 tertiary students received PHP10,000 and PHP25,000 each, respectively.
According to Philippines News Agency, Maria Deleilah Adriatico, head of the Provincial Education Office, confirmed that the scholarship recipients are enrolled in agriculture and fisheries-related courses at both secondary and tertiary levels. Adriatico noted that the same amount of stipends was distributed to beneficiaries last year, highlighting the provincial government's ongoing efforts to bolster education and youth development initiatives.
The agriculture and fishery scholarship is part of the education assistance programs for Ilokano youth, established under Provincial Ordinance No. 019-2020. It aims to nurture future professionals who will contribute to food security and local economic growth. The distribution event, led by Ilocos Norte Vice Governor Matthew Joseph Manotoc, included encouragement for scholars to maximize the opportunities provided through public funds.
The provincial government offers a range of scholarship grants, benefiting students from the senior high school level to those pursuing medicine and law. On May 12, they initially distributed approximately PHP21.5 million in stipends to 1,794 scholars for the semester.
Kristel Janella Baptista, one of the scholars, expressed gratitude for the educational assistance, acknowledging the provincial government's support in acquiring necessary study materials. Adriatico mentioned that the delay in releasing stipends for agriculture and fisheries scholars was due to processing their documentary requirements.
Since 2013, Ilocos Norte has maintained its educational assistance program, supporting learners through various academic and leadership opportunities, including sector-based support for agri-fisheries, law, and medicine.
