THOUSANDS of students under the Iskolar ng Laguna program received their scholarship payouts, with beneficiaries from San Pablo City among those who were assisted.
Governor Sol Aragones assured scholars that the program will continue regardless of political affiliations, stressing that education should never be tied to politics.
The payout covered old scholars, from the previous administration. Carina Macalos, Provincial Government Assistant Department Head, joined in overseeing the distribution to ensure that all student requirements were properly checked and processed.
She highlighted that the funding comes from taxpayers, not from personal funds of any politician. “Pinili ni Sol Aragones na hindi mamersonal. Pinili ni Sol Aragones na ibigay ang scholarship ninyo sa halip na putulin ko. Ang loyalty dapat ng mga scholar ay hindi sa politiko, ang loyalty ng mga scholar ay sa taong bayan.” Aragones said.
She further emphasized that despite pressures to discontinue the old scholarship program and replace it with a new one, she refused, believing that students’ futures should not be disrupted by political agendas.
“Walang kinalaman ang politika sa pangarap ninyo. Politics has nothing to do with your dreams,” she declared, reminding scholars that their only responsibility is to study hard for their families and their future.
By sustaining the program, Aragones underscored that the province is investing in its youth. Ensuring that every scholar has the chance to succeed, regardless of who they voted for or which administration started the program.
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