• GILBERT P. BAYORAN
A total of 201 Indigenous Peoples (IP) students from the municipalities of Isabela and Binalbagan, and Himamaylan City in the 5th District of Negros Occidental received educational assistance worth P1.5 million from the provincial government on June 3.
The assistance was distributed under the Educational Assistance for Indigenous Peoples’ Basic Education (EAIBE) program, a special scholarship category administered by the Negros Occidental Scholarship Program Division (NOSPD). Each beneficiary received P7,500 to help cover school-related expenses.
Negros Occidental Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson and Fifth District Board Member Rita Gatuslao, assisted by NOSPD Head Karen Dinsay and Milina Jeruta of the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP)-Negros Occidental, led the distribution of educational assistance.
In his message, Lacson encouraged the young IP scholars to persevere in their studies and strive for academic excellence. He emphasized that education remains one of the most effective means of improving lives and creating better opportunities for the future.
The governor also assured the students that the provincial government will continue implementing programs that promote inclusive development and ensure that no sector is left behind in the province’s progress.
Meanwhile, Gatuslao, chairperson of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan Committee on Education, underscored the importance of education in empowering Indigenous Peoples youth and helping them achieve their aspirations.
She urged the scholars to maximize the assistance provided by the provincial government and remain committed to their education despite the challenges they may encounter.
The EAIBE program forms part of the provincial government’s continuing efforts to support Indigenous Peoples communities and improve access to education for students from underserved sectors.*
