Aklan college students receive aid

By Gerald CJ “Yuri” Moribus

Seventy-three (73) college students received scholarship grants from the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) in a ceremony held at the Aklan State University Review Center on February 16, 2024.

The one-time financial grant of P25,000 each was under the Student Monetary Assistance for Recovery and Transition (SMART) program.

The scholarship program covers tuition and other school fees (TOSF), stipends which will be released directly to the scholars or through HEIs, and book connectivity allowances per semester of a given academic year until the completion of the degree program.

There are 32 grantees from State University and Colleges, 26 from Private institutions, and 15 from Local University and Colleges.

The SMART grant offers a one-time fixed financial assistance to qualified students enrolled in any undergraduate program for Academic Year 2023-2024.

“We are thankful that Cong. Marquez pushed the budget to the congress,” said Dr. Emily M. Arangote, ASU President.

On behalf of Rep. Carlito S. Marquez (Aklan 1st district), Jesus “Jess” R. Marquez, Chief of Staff of the 1st District of Aklan, was present at the grant ceremony.

Also present were CHED officials led by Chairperson Prospero E. de Vera III and Aklan Gov. Jose Enrique Miraflores.

Dr. Danebeth G. Narzoles, CHED-6 Education Supervisor II Focal Person for Student Financial Assistant Program, represented CHED-6 Regional Director Dr. Raul C. Alvarez.

“We are hoping for another batch of grantees next year, hopefully, in the spirit of equity and justice,” said Dr. Narzoles.

The grant ceremony was also attended by the Office of the Student Affairs and Services headed by Prof. May Ann R. Pastrana, OSAS Chair, faculty members, staff, student publications and the University Student Council (USC).

The said grant is one of the strategies under the National Employment Recovery Strategy. (The author is a communications intern of the Aklan State University/Photos by: Aldrin H. De Claro Jr.)