A total of 8,821 indigent college and post-graduate students in Antique have benefitted from the PHP52.9 million in education assistance extended by the provincial government.

Antique Provincial Youth Development Office (PYDO) head Irish Manlapaz said in an interview Tuesday that they began releasing the assistance on Feb. 2, with PHP6,000 for each beneficiary.

They can use the aid to purchase school materials and other needs for the current school year.

“Of the 8,821 indigent students who had received the educational assistance, there were 3,809 who received only on March 16 and 18,” Manlapaz said.

She added that they target to finish releasing additional financial support in June as 11,018 more students have qualified to avail of the privilege for the school year.

“The educational assistance previously was given in the amount of PHP5,000 for the college students per semester, but because of the many applicants, it’s now being released good for the entire school year,” she said.

To qualify, students should obtain a certificate of indigency from their barangay captain to show that they need assistance, a registration form, and other documents.

The PYDO personnel, through their “PYDO on Wheels,” visit the 18 municipalities to release assistance based on their given schedules.

Manlapaz said Governor Rhodora J. Cadiao initiated the education assistance program to provide opportunities for students from indigent families to finish school as she believes that education could help in the economic development of the province. (PNA)