AS part of his administration’s educational thrust, Manila Mayor Joseph E. Estrada distributed cash and shoes to the city’s elementary and high school students in time for the opening of classes for school year 2018-2019.
The local chief executive extended P5 million in financial aid to at least 1,000 learners in line with the local government’s Educational Assistance Program (EAP), upholding the rights of children, especially the underprivileged, to free education.
“The assistance will augment family expenses for school needs, such as baon, uniform, school supplies, school shoes and materials for school projects, among others,” he said during the turnover ceremony held recently at the San Andres Sports Complex.
According to him, each beneficiary, either enrolled in both public primary and secondary schools or children that need special protection (CNSP), received P5,000.
Of the amount, P1.1 million was given to 220 beneficiaries in District I; P675,000 to 135 beneficiaries in District II; P625,000 to 125 beneficiaries in District III; P675,000 to 135 beneficiaries in District IV; P940,000 to 188 beneficiaries in District V; P670,000 to 134 beneficiaries in District VI; and P315,000 to 63 beneficiaries in the Baseco Compound in Tondo.
Estrada said providing free access to education is among his top priorities to help improve the lives of many poor families in the country’s capital and ensure the future of the youth sector.
In another development, the mayor gave away “Erap All-Star” shoes to 1,500 pupils of Bacood Elementary School from Grades 1 to 6 during the opening of classes last week.
During the turnover ceremony, he said he wants all students to walk with comfort when going to school and be proud of the eponymic shoes he gave them. The shoes are made of high-quality materials.
“Do you know that I also wear Superstar Shoes? The shoes you’re wearing are proof that you are indeed the superstars of our city,” he said in mixed Filipino and English.
The former president and now Manila mayor promised to provide the 280,000 students in Manila with shoes this school year as part of the city government’s program to provide essential entitlements to the children studying in the city’s elementary and high schools.
In return, he expects them to follow his advice to study harder and give importance to the opportunities coming their way like scholarship grants.
“All of you were given the chance to study pro bono. So you should be diligent, especially when it comes to doing your homework and projects. Also, follow your parents, teachers, and the rules in your respective schools,” he said. “I want you to be an inspiration to others so they could emulate you and do what you are doing as scholars of the government,” he added.
Because education is the key to success, Estrada noted he wants every Manileño to grow and have a decent future while away from illegal drugs.
He expressed his gratitude to Nanette Tanyag, officer in charge of the Manila Department of Social Welfare, for her continued effort to make this project a success.
“We should continue to unite for the betterment of our children who are future leaders of this nation. Again, let us all join hands to regain the glory of Manila. Sulong Maynila [Move forward, Manila],” Estrada said.