IBA, Zambales — More and more Zambaleños are stepping into a brighter future with the continuing educational assistance program of the provincial government.

Under Governor Hermogenes Ebdane Jr.’s “Handog Edukasyon” program, students from various levels across the province receive financial assistance to continue with their schooling, take advance courses, or review for board examinations.

The program also encourages students to do well in academic pursuits with separate incentives for those earning Latin honors and topping licensure examinations.

“Education is a basic right, and thus we are doing everything within our means to deliver more opportunities for the youth, as well older students, to gain every leverage they can get from education. We are doing this not only to help out learners, but also to build the backbone of a sustainable and productive community,” said Gov. Ebdane.

Early this month, the Capitol started accepting applications for financial assistance through online registration.

As of May 16, a total of 1,001 applicants has registered, the program staff reported. These included 99 board examinees, 10 of who are undertaking self-review and the rest enrolled in review centers; as well as 630 taking courses for a Master’s degree and 211 candidates for Doctorate degree.

At the same time, the Capitol also released financial assistance to 50 provincial government employees enrolled in either Master’s or Doctorate courses, and gave incentives to 11 students who graduated with Latin honors.

On May 24, the Capitol again scheduled a payout for 147 students under the Handog Edukasyon program. The beneficiaries included 88 reviewees for board examinations, 15 graduates with Lartin honors, and five topnotchers in the recent Customs Administration Licensure Examination.

Board Member Rundy Ebdane, who represented Gov. Ebdane in the May 24 payout, reminded the beneficiaries to study harder to be more productive citizens, and reminded them that the assistance is a recognition of their potential to succeed.

The biggest batch of beneficiaries this month was recorded on May 28 when 842 trooped to the Zambales Sports Complex Gymnasium for educational assistance. These included 625 enrollees in Master’s degrees, 199 candidates for Doctorate, two graduates with Latin honors, and one topnotcher in the recent Licensure Examination for Teachers. – Taktikom News & Features

PHOTO: BM Rundy Ebdane reminds beneficiaries of educational assistance to do their best to succeed.