The Taguig local government on Tuesday began distributing school packages to all public school students of the city, including those from the 10 “enlisted men’s barrios” (EMBOs) whose jurisdiction was ordered transferred from Makati City by the Supreme Court last year.
Taguig City Mayor Lani Cayetano led the distribution of school supplies to students of Pitogo High School and Upper Bicutan Elementary School.
“More than the material things na itu-turn over, ang presence po natin ngayon ay testament sa kahandaan nating lahat to really support our learners, to really support their dreams and aspirations in life, and to do our best to show them that we are ready to cooperate. Handa tayong magkaisa ‘pag ang pinag-usapan ay ang kanilang future (More than the material things that we have turned over, our presence here is a testament to our support for our learners, their dreams and aspirations in life, and to do our best to show them that we are ready to cooperate. We are ready to unite when it comes to their future),” she added.
Depending on their grade level, Taguigueño students will receive a school package consisting of one bag, Physical Education uniforms, socks, black shoes, rubber shoes and a complete set of basic school supplies.
Daycare and kindergarten students will receive additional items, such as emergency contact cards, and a health kit containing a bag, toothbrush, toothpaste, hand towel and alcohol spray.
Meanwhile, Pitogo High School administrative officer Dr. Mary Rose M. Roque highlighted the importance of the turnover of school supplies, saying “it’s (a) day of significance, a day that we come together to welcome and embrace change, growth and the promise of the future.”
Cayetano also talked with students who received the school supplies at Pitogo High School and discussed other programs and benefits for its learners.
The distribution of school supplies was also held in all EMBO schools and select schools in the city’s 1st and 2nd districts. It will continue until all students have received their school packages.
Scholarship for all
The Taguig local government also launched on Tuesday the “Lifeline Assistance for Neighbors In-need” Scholarship Program for students in EMBO barangays.
The city government will offer scholarships not only to senior high school graduates but to all qualified residents of Taguig’s 10 new villages.
Cayetano said its scholarship program is not limited to the upper 10 percent of the graduating class but is open to all, regardless of year levels. It is even open to those reviewing for licensure examinations and taking post-graduate studies.
High school graduates with or without honors can also apply and receive PHP15,000 up to PHP50,000 per year.
Students who will be studying in premier colleges and universities, or will be taking priority courses as identified by the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) can receive PHP40,000 to PHP50,000 yearly.
Those who will pursue technical and vocational courses will also receive PHP15,000 each year.
Those who are reviewing for the board and Bar exams may receive a one-time assistance of PHP15,000 to PHP20,000 plus an additional PHP50,000 if they land in the Top 10. So far, this assistance has helped produce more than 3,200 licensed professionals.
Public and private school teachers in Taguig, barangay, city and national government employees including uniformed personnel based in Taguig taking up their masters’ and doctoral degrees may avail of the PHP18,000 to PHP60,000 per year depending on the school category.
There is also a PHP50,000 Thesis and Dissertation Grant, thus making their final year total a maximum of PHP110,000. So far, this assistance has helped about 2,000 graduate students with almost 500 of them successfully earning their graduate degrees.
The complete list of scholarship offerings and requirements can be viewed at taguig.gov.ph or Taguig Scholarships’ official Facebook page.
All students who wish to apply may visit the Taguig Scholarships Office located at the Senator Renato Compañero Science and Technology Memorial Science High School in Barangay Ususan.
Taguig will also set up a satellite Scholarship Desk on the 9th floor, Taguig Satellite Office, SM Aura Tower to answer questions about the scholarships and to receive applications.
Applicants may also contact the Scholarships Office at (02) 828-88560 or message them on the Taguig Scholarships Facebook Page.
Security purposes
The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG), meanwhile, is on heightened alert in various passenger ports nationwide from Aug. 22 to Sept. 1 as part of its preparations for the expected influx of travelers due to the new school year.
“Ito ay upang masiguro ang kaligtasan at seguridad ng mga pasahero, gayundin ang maayos, komportable, at matiwasay na biyahe sa mga pantalan (This is to ensure the safety and security of all passengers as well as proper, comfortable, and peaceful journey in all ports),” PCG commandant Admiral Artemio Abu said in a statement on Tuesday.
As of noontime Tuesday, the PCG has monitored 29,845 outbound passengers and 25,181 inbound passengers in all ports nationwide.
A total of 2,224 frontline personnel have been deployed in 15 PCG districts and have inspected 304 vessels and 437 motorboats.
PCG sea marshals will also inspect passenger vessels and maintain help desks in partnership with the Philippine Ports Authority and the Maritime Industry Authority.
“Asahan din ang karagdagang deployment ng mga Coast Guard K9 unit sa malalawak na pantalan upang maiwasan ang anumang iligal na aktibidad na mag-ko-kompriso sa seguridad ng mga pasahero (You may also expect additional deployment of PCG K9 units in large ports to help dissuade illegal activities that can compromise the safety of passengers),” it said.
Beach resorts will likewise be inspected during the “long weekend” as Aug. 28 is a national holiday to commemorate National Heroes’ Day. (PNA)
Photo credit: Facebook/taguigcity
