Capiz — A total of 1,020 student-beneficiaries from five municipalities in the Second District of Capiz received their first semester educational assistance under the Gugma Educational Assistance Program during a distribution held on March 23 at the Dumalag Civic Center.
The program, which has been supporting the education of young Capisnons for 25 years, was initiated by Gov. Fredenil H. Castro during his term as congressman and is now being continued by Capiz 2nd District Congresswoman Jane T. Castro.
During the latest distribution, each scholar received P5,000. Beneficiaries included 209 students from Cuartero, 194 from Dao, 184 from Dumalag, 253 from Dumarao, and 180 from Tapaz.
In her message, Gov. Castro expressed gratitude to parents, students, and government officials for their continued support of the program. She also encouraged the youth to persevere in their studies and strive to achieve their aspirations in life.
Several local officials attended the activity to show support, including 2nd District Board Members Celio Fecundo, Aying Fundal, and Gilbert Ardivilla; Provincial Sangguniang Kabataan Federation President and Ex-Officio Board Member Prince Gardose; 2nd District Deputy Administrator Rosemarie Gardose; and 1st District Deputy Administrator Ricky Martin.
Also present were local chief executives from the beneficiary municipalities, including Dumalag Mayor Ma. Concepcion T. Castro, Dao Mayor Jose Jimbo Barruela, Dumarao Mayor Stephen Chris Openiano, and Tapaz Mayor Matteo Hachuela, along with their respective municipal officials.
The Gugma Educational Assistance Program remains one of the province’s flagship initiatives aimed at helping students pursue their education and ease the financial burden on their families./PN
