MANILA, Philippines – Manila Mayor Joseph Estrada has released P1.5 million in cash gifts for poor but deserving elementary and high school students in the city.
Estrada recently distributed P5,000 each to 311 students, the latest batch of beneficiaries of the Educational Assistance Program, which he started in 2013.
“Education is more important than material wealth. I want you to grow up as well-educated and responsible citizens. Who knows? Maybe one of you will become mayor in the future,” Estrada told the schoolchildren at city hall.
Estrada has been giving P5,000 in educational assistance to poor students every year.
Josephine Sison, mother of one of the beneficiaries, thanked Estrada for the cash aid.
Sison said the assistance would help support her child’s school needs.
Manila social welfare department chief Nanette Tanyag said more than 900 students would receive educational assistance from the local government this year.