Bacolod mayor announces added allowance for city scholars

BACOLOD CITY — Mayor Greg Gasataya pledged to provide an additional allowance to 664 scholars under the Public Employment Services Office (PESO) during the Scholars’ Assembly and Orientation held on Thursday, August 21, 2025, at the Bacolod City Government Center.

Addressing the scholars, Gasataya said, “We assure you that within this first semester, we will be able to provide an allowance for the 664 students.”

The new grantees will receive a PHP10,000–PHP12,000 subsidy per semester, a component of the city government’s ongoing commitment to supporting education and helping scholars with living and academic expenses.

“The support is not just for tuition; the greatest need of most students is how to survive day-to-day expenses,” the mayor added.

Gasataya also recounted a story from the program’s early years, illustrating how two equally promising students experienced different outcomes.

One had to discontinue their studies due to unforeseen personal circumstances, while the other graduated, achieved success and is now traveling the world.

As a staunch advocate for education, Gasataya emphasized that education is a right, not a privilege.

“Education is the right of every Filipino. Education is your right; it is not a privilege, although sometimes we still need finances to graduate,” he said.

“We are here, striving to improve the services and assistance that the government provides. Do not waste the opportunity that is being given to you,” he urged, encouraging scholars to maximize the program’s benefits.

PESO head Jovelyn Canoy also addressed the attendees, underscoring the importance of community involvement among scholars.

“Under the ordinance, our city scholars are required to volunteer in community activities. PESO Bacolod is very pleased that our scholars are actively involved in the community initiatives of our local government,” Canoy said.

She further explained that participating in community service helps students develop life and employment skills.

“Joining community service helps you develop your abilities, communication and leadership skills — the very qualities employers look for. This is an important part of your preparation for future job hunting,” she added.

“Well, we are truly grateful. Mayor Greg has always been a champion of education, and I believe his heart is really with the youth. Our city scholars are also very happy. On top of their tuition and financial aid, the government will still provide allowances. We are hopeful that our scholars will use this in the right way and for the right needs so that they and their families will truly feel that their government cares for them,” Canoy said.

Mary Joy, a graduating scholar from La Consolacion College and a program recipient since her freshman year, also expressed appreciation.

“I am really grateful that this was considered. It was also timely that Mayor Greg himself spoke to us. For me as a graduating student, it’s very important because I have a lot of processes to handle, especially my thesis. So, I’m truly thankful for this. It inspired me to study harder, especially as I aim to really graduate this year,” she said.

As a scholarship requirement, all scholars are obligated to participate in community service in accordance with City Ordinance No. 386, Article XI, Section 1 – Obligations and Responsibilities of Grantees.

This ordinance, authored by Mayor Greg Gasataya in 2005, aims to provide a more responsive and comprehensive student financial assistance and scholarship program for the City of Bacolod.