BUTUAN CITY (PIA) – More than P1 million was released to 41 students who are residents of the province of Agusan del Norte under the program on Student Monetary Assistance for Recovery and Transition (SMART) of the Commission on Higher Education (CHED).
Each student received a financial grant of P25,000.
During the first payout of financial grant to 41 college students from the province of Agusan del Norte as joined by the Commission on Education, provincial government of Agusan del Norte and Office of the 2nd Congressional District of Agusan del Norte. Photo courtesy of 2nd Congressional District of Agusan del Norte.
Harvin Juaquino, a third year college student from the municipality of Magallanes, was surprised when he was included as one of the beneficiaries, saying, “this money will help me continue with my college education.”
“Isip usa ka estudyante ubay-ubay ang mga panghitabo sa akong kinabuhi adunay kaguol, kahadlok, ug kakapoy sa akong hunahuna kung unsaon paglampos sa kolehiyo tungod sa kawad-on sa kinabuhi. Apan tungod sa goberno ako nakasinati'g grasya ug kalipay karon tungod sa maanindot nga programang pang edukasyon,” said Joaquino.
(As a student, I have faced various challenges that sometimes make me sad, fearful, and exhausted thinking about how to finish college education due to the hardship of my life. But because of the government, there is now hope, grace, and joy because of this educational program.)
Juaquino will use the grant to pay for his tuition fees, further stating, “Isip isa sa mga benepisaryo sa SMART program, ako mapasalamaton kay tungod niining programa nakatabang kini sa akong pag skwela ug pamilya. Ug tungod niini, wala koy rason nga dili mopadayon sa akong pag skwela ug mangandoy sa akong kinabuhi. Sa kapwa kong mag-aaral, padayon ug maningkamot kita sa atong pag skwela kay ang goberno usab naningkamot ug naglantaw sa atong maanindot nga kaugmaon.”
(As a SMART program beneficiary, I'm thankful because it's helping me complete my education and support my family. Because of this opportunity, I'm motivated to pursue my studies and strive for a better future.)
Harvin Juaquino, a third-year college student, was thrilled because he thought he might have to quit school due to his family's financial struggles. But with a government grant, he can keep going to college. Photo from the 2nd Congressional District of Agusan del Norte.
He also encouraged his fellow students to continue with their studies, saying that poverty should not deprive learners of education since there is a government that strives for a bright future for the youth.
He is also thankful to Representative Corvera and to Governor Ma. Angelica Rosedell M. Amante for always giving priority to the education of the Agusanons, especially those who are in dire need of assistance from the government to fulfill their dreams of having a good future.
According to CHED Caraga Regional Director Alma S. Patron, the 2nd Congressional District of Agusan del Norte and CHED has 80 student-beneficiaries; 41 have completed their documentary requirements and received their grants already, while the remaining 39 will receive their share of the next payout once they comply with all the documentary requirements.
The SMART program of CHED aims to provide a one-time fixed financial grant to qualified students in any undergraduate program for the academic year 2023-2024. (NCLM/PIA-Agusan del Norte)
