QC scholars rise to 4,635

In a bid to provide quality education to poor but deserving students, the Quezon City government has increased the number of its college scholars from 750 in 2001 to 4,635 for school year 2004 to 2005.

Rogelio Reyes, executive director of the Scholarship and Youth Program of Mayor Feliciano Belmonte Jr., said the city government scholars are top graduates of various public high schools in the city and are now studying in various colleges and universities in Metro Manila.

Reyes said government scholars are provided with financial assistance for each semester in exchange for maintaining a certain degree of excellence in their selected field of studies.

He said the scholarship and youth development program is in line with the poverty alleviation program of the city government, which began when Belmonte assumed his post as chief executive in 2001.

From 750 scholars in school year 2001 to 2002, the number has now reached 4,635 and is expected to increase next school year with an increase of the budget for the program.

The proposed P5.8-billion budget of the city government, which was submitted to the Department of Budget and Management for approval, has allocated P30 million for the program. — Perseus Echeminada