Pasay City government started the distribution of financial assistance to public high school students within the city on July 28, 2018 at the Pasay City West High School gymnasium.

            Present in the kick-off ceremony are Mayor Antonino Calixto, Congresswoman. Emi Calixto-Rubiano, City Councilors Joey C. Isidro, Ricardo E. Santos (with his wife, former Coun. Grace Santos), Consertino C. Santos, Donnabel M. Vendivel, Aileen C. Padua, and Allan T. Panaligan. Other guests are personnel from DepEd Pasay headed by Dr. Evangeline P. Ladines, Schools Division Superintendent; Dr. Melody P. Cruz, Assistant Schools Superintendent; Mr. Librado F. Torres, Supervisor for Curriculum Implementation; Mr. Ronel U. Arellano; and the public high school principals  – Dr. Myrna B. Gaza (Pasay City West HS), Dr. Efren E. Canzana (Pasay City Science National HS), Mr. Agapito Teodoro N. Manaog (Pasay City South HS), Mrs. Emilia L. Tolentino (Kalayaan National HS), and Mr. Nunilon L. Moreno ( Pasay City North HS-Tramo).  Assistant Principals also graced the affair. They are: Mr. Rouell A. Santero (Pasay City East HS), Ms. Ivy A. Tanglao (Pasay City), National HS Mr. Roger B. Escarilla (Pasay City North HS – Main Campus).

            In her welcome remarks, Dr. Gaza expressed her gratitude to the Local Government Unit (LGU) of Pasay City. She said that the act of providing financial assistance to the public students has set another milestone in the partnership between DepEd Pasay and LGU Pasay. The school head stressed, “Itong financial assistance ay makakatulong upang mapataas ang participation at completion rate ng school.”

            Meanwhile, Mayor Calixto explained that the financial assistance program was materialized by virtue of the City Ordinance No.5886, s. 2018 – An Ordinance Providing for the Implementing Rules And Regulations As Regards the Grant of Monthly Financial Assistance to Public Secondary School Students in Pasay City Effective School 2018 Subject to Compliance with All Applicable Laws, Rules and Regulations on the Matter. by Vice-Mayor Noel L. Del Rosario  introduced the ordinance which was sponsored by Councilors Mark Anthony A. Calixto, Arnel Regino T. Arceo, Jerome Marin R. Advincula, Allan T. Panaligan, Ma. Antonia C. Cuneta, Editha Y. Manguerra, Alberto C. Alvina, Jose  C. Isidro Jr., Ricardo E. Santos, Donnabel M. Vendivel, Consertino C. Santos, Aileen C. Padua, and Noel P. Octavo. The said ordinance mandates the city government to provide a monthly allowance of 500 pesos to each public high school students and Alternative Learning System (ALS) students in Pasay City. The mayor further said, “Edukasyon ang hahango sa kahirapan ng buhay kaya’t nararapat na matulungan ang ating mga mag-aaral sa kanilang pang-araw-araw ng gastusin sa paaralan. “ He stressed that the said financial assistance is the city’s way of sharing the benefits to the students of Pasay. Mayor Calixto also named the various projects of the city which are all funded by the national government through the efforts of Congresswoman Emi Calixto-Rubiano. He promised that before his term ends, all public schools in Pasay City will be equipped with air- conditioning units. Finally, the mayor called the parents, teachers and students, “Tayong lahat ay magsama-sama, magkapit bisig, upang maisakatuparan natin ang ating mga pangarap.”

            Congresswoman Emi Calixto-Rubiano also addressed the audience. She emphasized that the amount 1,500 pesos which would be distributed on that day (July 28) covered the last three months of the school year 2017-2018, hence from January – March. The solon clarified, “Ang financial assistance po ay ibibigay sa mga mag-aaral during the school days. Wala pong financial assistance during April and May.” The congresswoman also said that the allowance of those who are enrolled in this school year will be given by September which will cover the months of June, July, August and September. She ended her speech by calling the parents, “Tayo po ay magsama-sama upang sabay-sabay nating maiangat ang buhay ng bawat pamilya sa lungsod ng Pasay.”

            Dr. Ladines likewise gave a short talk. She lauded the Pasay City LGU for giving the financial assistance to the students. She added, “Ang pagbibigay ng financial assistance sa mga mag-aaral ay aligned sa strategic goal ng DepEd dahil ang number 1 sa strategic goal na ito ay ang education for all.” The educator pointed out that through the financial assistance given by the city government, the parents will now have enough resources to finance their children’s education hence there is a guarantee that the children can finish their high school education. She further explained, “Itong programang ito ay malaking tulong sa mga school principal upang mabawasan ang bilang ng absenteeism ng mga bata at ang number ng drop-out sa paaralan.” She closed her speech by saying, “Sabay-sabay po nating tuparin ang pangarap ng ating lungsod na maging productive citizen ng Pasay ang ating mga mag-aaral.”

            Distribution of the financial assistance was immediately done in the classrooms right after the program. About 3,000 students enrolled last year received their allowance.

            Ms. Sherilyn Azarcon, PCWHS faculty president emceed the event. Angklung Ensemble and PCWHS Chorale led the singing of the National Anthem, and the Pasay March with Ms. Juliet H. Brioso and Mrs. Chrismarilene R. Cabataña. Mr. Rommel Macatiag did the invocation.