Strengthening Educational Opportunities for Bacolod Students
BACOLOD - The Bacolod City Government has expanded its educational assistance program by welcoming 408 new scholars under the 2026 PESO Bacolod City Scholarship Program. Beginning in August, each beneficiary will receive a ₱3,000 allowance per semester after completing the required documentary requirements. The additional scholars join the city's existing 749 beneficiaries, bringing the total number of scholars currently supported by the local government to 1,157. During the orientation program, Mayor Greg Gasataya personally distributed Certificates of Scholarship, which students may temporarily use during enrollment while waiting for the release of their financial assistance. The initiative reflects the city's continuing investment in helping deserving Bacolodnon students pursue higher education despite financial challenges. By expanding the scholarship program, the city aims to provide more young people with opportunities to continue their studies and work toward their long-term career goals.
Encouraging Scholars to Make the Most of the Opportunity
During the orientation, Mayor Gasataya encouraged the scholars to value the opportunity they had earned through their academic performance and determination. He reminded them that many students aspired to become scholars, making the selection both an honor and a responsibility. Drawing from his own experience as a former government scholar, the mayor shared that educational assistance had opened many opportunities throughout his life and expressed hope that the program would do the same for the new beneficiaries. PESO Coordinator Jovelyn Canoy also encouraged the students to appreciate the scholarship they worked hard to achieve, reminding them that they qualified because of their dedication and perseverance. The orientation familiarized the scholars with the program's guidelines, documentary requirements, and responsibilities as recipients of the city's educational assistance. These discussions aimed to prepare students for both the academic and personal responsibilities that come with being scholarship beneficiaries.
Students Express Gratitude for the City's Investment in Education
Several scholarship recipients expressed appreciation for the opportunity provided by the Bacolod City Government. Students shared that the financial assistance would help reduce the burden of educational expenses on their families while allowing them to focus more on their studies. Many described the scholarship as more than financial support, viewing it as motivation to work harder and achieve their academic goals. For some recipients, the assistance also represents encouragement to give back to the community in the future by helping others once they complete their education. Their stories reflect how scholarship programs can positively influence not only students' academic journeys but also their aspirations to contribute to society. The support also provides families with added confidence that their children can continue pursuing higher education with fewer financial obstacles.
Continuing a Long-Standing Commitment to Higher Education
Since its establishment in 2005, the PESO Bacolod City Scholarship Program has remained one of the city's key educational initiatives supporting deserving students in pursuing college education. The continued expansion of the program demonstrates the local government's recognition of education as an important investment in Bacolod's future workforce and community development. By increasing the number of scholarship beneficiaries, the city is helping more young people access opportunities that may shape their personal and professional futures. The initiative also reflects Bacolod's broader commitment to youth development by providing practical assistance alongside encouragement to excel academically. As more students receive educational support, the scholarship program continues to contribute to building a more skilled, educated, and empowered generation of Bacolodnons.
