Now the envy of others, Bataan is one of the provinces that allocates tens of millions of funds for its scholars, enabling thousands of poor but deserving students to graduate college and vocational courses.
But with the reported abolition of the PDAF of congress, the scholars in the country will be definitely affected.
“We also plan to discuss the ‘Study now, Pay later,’ scheme where the students can enrol the courses of their own choice, then they will pay later,” pointed out the mutli-awarded City mayor.
Balanga city is allocating P12 million yearly for its scholarship program, while the Second district through then Congressman now governor Abet S. Garcia is also setting aside less than P20 million yearly and the provincial government is providing bigger amount of the scholarship program.
Former governor, now congressman Enrique “Tet” Garcia is also making ways how to sustain the educational fund for their scholars that will be affected by the PDAF abolition.
Since the scholarship program of the provincial and city government was launched, Bataan had produced a number of students who have graduated with flying honors, topped in various examinations and landed in high paying jobs not only here but also abroad .
Also to be discussed is the taking of shorter courses, such as vocational, that is being badly needed now by the various multi-national companies in the province.
Almost all of the government scholars are taking up four and five year college courses but some of them were not able to finish their courses at the end of the day.
With this development, City and provincial officials are bent also on offering to other students short courses, such as vocational, that are needed most in Freeport Area of Bataan, Petron Refinery, and other multi-national companies in the province.
“Maganda rin tong proposal na ito (short courses) dahil makakapagtapos agad ang mga studyante at makakapasok na sila ng kanilang trabaho dahil madaming kompanya ang nangangailangan ng ganitong uri ng skills ngayon,” pointed out Mayor Garcia, adding the students can pursue later their studies if they want to get four or longer bachelor degrees.”
