In a heartwarming act of support for education, 814 scholars from the City Government of Bacolod received financial assistance at the Bacolod City Government Center (BCGC) on December 24, 2025. This initiative, spearheaded by the local government, underscores a commitment to aiding students in their academic journeys, especially during the festive season.
Each scholar, part of the Public Employment Services Office (Peso) program, was granted P3,000 as a demonstration of Mayor Greg Gasataya's dedication to empowering the youth. Jovelyn Canoy, the coordinator of Peso-Bacolod, highlighted that this timely distribution was expedited just before Christmas, ensuring that the funds could help meet the immediate educational and personal needs of the students during the holidays.
Canoy emphasized the importance of this opportunity, reminding the recipients that the program is highly competitive. "You were selected from over 7,000 applicants, which speaks volumes about the privilege and responsibility you now hold," she remarked. "We hope you will cherish this opportunity, adhere to the program guidelines, and remain committed to serving your community."
The city has allocated a substantial P2.4 million to assist its scholars for the first semester of the 2025–2026 school year. Mayor Gasataya reiterated the urgency of the payout, explaining that this disbursement represents the first batch of funding, with plans for additional releases in the near future.
This initiative not only aims to alleviate some financial burdens but also fosters a sense of accountability among the scholars. What are your thoughts on such educational support programs? Do you believe they effectively encourage responsibility and community service among students?
