Manila council eyes scholarships for top students

MANILA, Philippines - The Manila City council has passed on first reading a resolution calling on all private universities, colleges and higher learning institutions in Manila to grant full scholarships to at least five top high school graduates from the city’s public schools.

The city council approved the resolution during its session on June 18, said Councilor Don Juan Bagatsing, who authored the resolution.

He noted that Manila is the cradle of the University Belt, where many of the country’s best schools can be found.

“We ought to capitalize on this distinct advantage of the city by tapping the compassion and social responsibility of privately owned colleges,” Bagatsing said.

He said the tuition charged by private schools have become too taxing, even for the middle class.

“It is imperative to alleviate this burden so that the youth of the country’s capital may be given every opportunity and chance to have access to and pursue quality education in the highest level,” Bagatsing said.