A total of 5,000 San Juaneño families whose children are studying in San Juan City's public schools received on Tuesday, May 14, educational assistance from the city government and the national government.
(Photo from Mayor Francis Zamora)
The payout, which was held at the FilOil EcoOil Center, was spearheaded by San Juan City Mayor Francis Zamora, San Juan City Rep. Bel Zamora, and other city government officials.
According to Zamora, the educational assistance was made possible through the Kadiwa ng Pangulo Program of the Office of the President, the Mayor's Office, and the Office of Rep. Bel Zamora.
He added that there are more than 8,000 San Juaneño families which are beneficiaries of the program, with a second payout to be held soon for the remaining 3,000 families.
In November last year, Zamora said the city allocated P33,942,830.67 or 12.42 percent of the city’s annual budget to fund the programs and services for the children.
Students studying and living in San Juan were given school uniforms, free school supplies and materials as well as providing them with WiFi in school, including all common areas within the school vicinity, and smart TVs. At home, they were also given free fiber optic internet connection, tablets, and laptops for school.
The city also regularly provides educational assistance to students through the office of Rep. Zamora.
Honor students were also given cash grants of P2,000 to P10,000, while student athletes were given financial incentives.
Monthly educational assistance is also available for the children of underprivileged solo parents; 100 children who need special protection, including victim-survivors of violence; children in conflict with the law, children at risk, and children under foster care.
Facilities such as basketball courts and child development centers under the Early Childhood Care and Development Program of San Juan were built for the benefit of the children and youth.
San Juaneño youth are also given counseling, career guidance seminars, and job opportunities through the Public Employment and Service Office’s Special Program for Employment of Students to prepare them for the “real world” once they graduate and help augment their needs.
Most recently, San Juan City distributed 13,000 pairs of customized rubber shoes to San Juan public school students.
Zamora stressed that the project is a key component of the city's comprehensive education program which aims to provide students with essential resources for their academic journey.
“These pairs of rubber shoes, will not only enhance the comfort of students as they walk or commute to school but will also symbolize the city's commitment to investing in the future generation thru quality education", the mayor said.
He also announced that the old San Juan Gym will be demolished this 2024 to pave the way for a new multi-level sports complex.
The new Makabagong San Juan Sports Complex will have a 25-meter, 5-lane swimming pool, basketball and volleyball stadium, physical fitness gym, taekwondo studio, mixed martial arts studio, badminton, table tennis, billiards, chess, and an indoor running track.