A total of 3,067 students from tertiary schools in Ilocos Norte province received PHP5,000 cash each on Saturday through the initiative of Senator Imee Marcos.

As she promised during the first batch of educational aid distribution at San Nicolas Mini Cultural Center on Aug. 17, Marcos returned with the second batch of educational assistance.

The senator first made a stop at the Imelda Cultural Center in Batac City where 2,000 students waited for her and proceeded to the Laoag City Centennial Arena here for a similar educational aid distribution for 1,067 beneficiaries.

Marcos said the dream of every Ilocano family is to have their children finish their education hence, the need to help them realize that dream and ensure that everyone will have the opportunity to finish school no matter what.

The initiative is under the “Makabasa Latta” program (all learners get access to education) and part of the services of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD).

The financial assistance prioritized students whose farmer-parents’ sources of income were affected by tropical cyclones.

“We have been devastated by a series of typhoons and so we will be distributing 904 educational assistance tonight,” Marcos said in her speech in Batac City.

After receiving an overwhelming number of applicants in need of educational assistance during the first batch of distribution, Marcos assured over 7,000 more would receive something from the government.

“Uray narigat ti panagbiag, makabasa latta, agturpos latta (Despite the hardships in life, you go to school and finish your studies). We are behind you in every effort,” she said as she lauded the resilience of Ilocanos to overcome obstacles.

In Ilocos Sur, 2,500 village health workers received PHP3,000 each at Vigan Convention Center under the DSWD’s Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situations, likewise arranged by Marcos’ office. (PNA)