Some 2,000 college students in Lubao town in this province have received financial assistance that could help them finish their studies.

The municipal government of Lubao provided the grant under its Educational Financial Assistance Program (EFAP).

Mayor Esmeralda Pineda led on Wednesday the distribution of the educational subsidies in two venues. The Santa Cruz gymnasium hosted the students from the western barangays while the municipal gymnasium gathered the students from the eastern portion of Lubao.

Pineda said some PHP4 million was allocated for the program with each student receiving PHP2,000 for the upcoming semester, while an additional PHP2,000 before the start of the second semester.

“The funds aim to alleviate the financial burden on the students, particularly those belonging to the poorest families in the community,” she said in an interview.

Pineda said most of the beneficiaries are enrolled at Don Honorio Ventura State University.

“It is important to note that students included in the special program for the employment of students (SPES) were excluded from this specific subsidy,” she added.

The processing of the subsidy applications started in April, with a total of 2,500 slots initially offered.

However, after careful evaluation, only close to 2,000 students qualified to receive the financial grants.

“With this support, the college students of Lubao can now focus on their studies and pursue their ambitions with renewed hope,” Pineda said. (PNA)