Albay to allot P16M for poor college students

LEGAZPI CITY: The provincial government of Albay has infused P16 million to finance the education of poor but deserving college students this school year. The free education to poor but deserving students provided by the province is part of the priority programs which was presented by Gov. Joey Salceda before the national competitiveness council road show in California, USA, where he outlined the economic strategy of Albay.

Before leaving for California, Salceda sought the assistance of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan of Albay to allocate the initial P16 million to realize the priority program for education development.

Also, the governor launched the Albay Higher Education Contribution Scheme (AHECS), a study now, pay later plan.

Dr. Ligaya Palcon, designated to supervise the free education program of Albay, said that some 1,600 poor Albayano students enrolled in colleges and universities in the province will benefit from free education program under the AHECS.

Under the study now, pay later program, Palcon said that each qualified student can borrow P5,000 per semester or P10,000 per year. The loan should be paid after the student has graduated and found a job. — Rhaydz B. Barcia, Manila Times