In another testament to his caring nature, Manila Mayor Joseph Estrada has distributed a total of P5.7 million to over 1,000 public school students to help them with their daily school expenses.
The P5,000 allowance per student is part of Educational Assistance Program, which Estrada came up with to help poor parents and their children cover the necessary expenses in school such as uniforms and school supplies and even materials for projects.
“You can use this money for your ‘baon’ [allowance], to buy school supplies, new shoes and uniforms, or for your projects and other school requirements,” Estrada told the latest batch of 1,159 student beneficiaries during simple ceremonies at San Andres Sports Complex.
As the father of the city, Estrada said it is his earnest hope that these young Manileños will be able to study well and finish college so that they will become successful someday.
“We’re taking care of you because you are the sons and daughters of our beloved City of Manila. And since I am the father of the city, I am like a father to all of you,” he said.
“Who knows? Maybe one of you will become the city mayor someday,” Estrada added.
Manila Department of Social Welfare chief Nanet Tanyag said Estrada approved the release of P5.79 million to cover the grant of financial assistance to 1,159 beneficiaries.
Including the Children Needing Special Protection, the beneficiaries are currently enrolled in public schools both in elementary and high school level, she said.
Two-hundred sixty-five students from the city-run Manila Boystown Complex also received P5,000 cash each, along with 44 more from the impoverished Baseco Compound.
Tanyag said the city government has set aside a total of P40 million for this year and for the first quarter of 2018 to fund the allowances of 8,159 targeted beneficiaries.
Only last August, Estrada released P9.1 million in EAP funds for 1,833 public elementary and high school students.
