By Leilanie Adriano
LAOAG CITY – At least two municipal governments in Ilocos Norte are granting assistance to its graduate students to ease the financial burden as they prepare for their professional board examinations.
“More than just a monetary aid, this program represents our commitment to invest in the youth of Currimao — our future teachers, engineers, nurses, lawyers, accountants, and other professionals who will soon serve and uplift our community,” Mayor Edward Quilala said in an interview Tuesday.
Under their “PATH TO PASS: Review and Examination Assistance Program,” Currimao Vice Mayor Judith Quilala told the Philippine News Agency that some 30 college graduates who are preparing for their board exams were given PHP10,000 each for the program’s initial implementation starting this month.
The respective offices of the mayor and vice mayor have teamed up for the initiative with hopes that through the cash assistance, the examinees “will be able to focus more on their preparation and achieve success in their chosen fields,” the Quilalas said in a statement.
To avail of the financial assistance program, applicants are advised to submit a copy of certificate of residency, diploma and transcript of records, certificate of indigency, notice of admission from the Professional Regulatory Commission, and two pieces of 2×2 ID pictures to the Office of the Mayor.
Aside from Currimao, the Carasi municipal government is also implementing the same program through an approved municipal ordinance granting financial aid to college graduates who are about to take their board examinations.
In a report from the Municipal Social Welfare and Development Office of Carasi, at least four examinees have already benefited from the program, identified as Ria Jose and Kristine Joy Domingo from Barangay Virbira, and Ma. Kristine Joy Pulsic and Summer Rose Ramon from Barangay Barbaqueso.
“This initiative reaffirms our commitment to invest in education, empower our graduates, and support their aspirations of becoming licensed professionals,” the Carasi municipal government said in a statement.
Carasi is mostly inhabited by indigenous peoples. (PNA)
