103 Mandaue students receive P25,000 each

CEBU, Philippines — A total of P2.5 million grant was released to 103 tertiary students in Mandaue City under the Student Monetary Assistance for Recovery and Transition (SMART) program of the Commission on Higher Education.

The students received P25,000 each from CHED through Mandaue City Lone District Representative Emmarie “Lolypop” Ouano-Dizon.

“Makalipay ang atong pagtapok karong adlawa, kay para ni sa usa ka kumon nga tinguha, ang mas hayag nga kaugmaon sa atong kabataan. We mark a significant milestone in the empowerment of our students in the Lone District of Mandaue, as we gather today for an initiative that is close to my heart: the Student Monetary Assistance for Recovery and Transition, or the SMART Grant,” said Ouano-Dizon in her speech during the financial distribution held on Feb. 9, 2024, addressing the teachers, parents and student beneficiaries.

The legislator emphasized that this educational assistance is intended to realize their common objective for their children to finish their education in order to have a brighter future.

She told the beneficiaries that education is the foundation of personal development and in turn in the development of the community.

She recognized though that parents and students are going through tough times along the way due to various social and financial difficulties but through education a lot of potentials and opportunities may be opened for them.

“Pinaagi sa edukasyon, atong maablihan ang daghang potensyal sa matag usa. Pero ang dalan padulong sa pagkab-ot ani nga tumong, usahay puno sa mga babag, labina ang gisagubang nga pinansyal nga kalisud,” she added.

She explained that this is the reason why she takes much effort in introducing the SMART Grant, a one-time financial assistance for students.

“This scholarship is not just monetary support. It is an investment to your future, a testament to our belief in the potential of our young minds, and a tool to help you navigate through their educational journey with a little less burden on their shoulders,” she said.

Ouano-Dizon expects that the said financial grant may be used in conformity with the designed objectives, which is to help parents and students meet their various needs such as tuition fees, books, online learning resources, or other educational expenses.

She, likewise, challenged the student beneficiaries to strive for a brighter, smarter and more inclusive future for all, declaring she is always behind them in their every effort.

Under CHED Memorandum Order No. 06 series of 2023 or the Guidelines governing the grant of the one-time financial assistance to students in undergraduate programs to assist them in the completion of their education/attainment of academic success as the world moves on from the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic.

According to CHED that the objectives of this program is to provide a one-time fixed grant of P25,000 to qualified students enrolled in any undergraduate program for Academic Year 2023-2024 only, as one of the strategies under the National Employment Recovery Strategy, which is increasing success of students to graduate through scholarship, despite effects of the pandemic. (CEBU NEWS)