Dong awards grants to 219 scholars

Third District Rep. Aurelio “Dong” Gonzales, Jr. awards the P100,000 cash prize to the champion team of Barangay Del Pilar who reigned supreme in the recently concluded “First Dong Gonzales Interbarangay Basketball Cup” in the City of San Fernando. With Gonzales are tournament chairman Raymund Guevarra, Barangay Del Pilar chairman Bernardo Policarpio and congressional staff Arthur Bondoc.

Photo by Albert B. Lacanlale

By Albert B. Lacanlale

CITY OF SAN FERNANDO --- Some 219 students are now part of the almost 2,000 scholars being supported by Third District Rep. Aurelio “Dong” Gonzales, Jr.

Last week, Gonzales handed over checks representing the congressman’s educational assistance to the scholars who come from the five localities of the district.

In coordination with the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA), Gonzales is awarding at least P6,000 to each student every semester.

Awarding of grants are held in various locations in the district. The most recent was at the solon’s district office in Barangay Sindalan here.

Gonzales said he gives premium to assisting the education of poor but deserving students.

“I personally experienced how hard it is for a poor family to send their children to school that’s why I always made it a point to help through whichever way I can. My heart breaks for children who badly want to be in the school but their families have no means to support their studies,” Gonzales said.

Ben-Hur Baniqued, TESDA provincial director, said their office is always willing to help public officials like Gonzales who put education on top of their priorities.

Baniqued personally witnessed the awarding of the grants to the beneficiaries.