By Ruth Abbey Gita-Carlos
MANILA – President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Wednesday urged scholars to maximize the government’s educational assistance, stressing that they are being prepared to become the country’s “future leaders” in various fields.
In a message to presidential scholars in Parañaque City, he emphasized the importance of education in shaping the next generation of leaders in government, business, and other sectors.
“You are the future leaders of our country. You are the future leaders of our economy. You are the (ones who will decide). It will be up to you,” Marcos said.
The scholars are beneficiaries of a program under the administration’s “Bawat Barangay Makikinabang” initiative, which provides funding to villages for priority programs, including educational assistance.
Under the program, each village receives PHP200,000, with PHP100,000 designated for scholarships.
This enables each barangay to support at least five “presidential scholars” who will receive PHP20,000 each to help them finish their studies.
Marcos urged the scholars to focus on their education and strive to earn their degrees.
He described education as a lasting form of wealth that cannot be taken away and continues to grow over time.
“Lagi kong sinasabi sa ating mga scholar ay gamitin niyo nang mabuti itong panahon na ito, na mag-aral kayo, magsipag kayo sa pag-aaral, at kung anuman ang matutunan ninyo, ‘yan ay isang kayamanan na nasa sa inyo na iyan (I always tell our scholars to make the most of this time –study hard, work hard in your studies, because whatever you learn is wealth that already belongs to you),” he said.
“Kaya’t ito ay kayamanan na gagamitin ninyo para maging mas maayos ang mga buhay ninyo. And ‘yan ang aming kontribusyon para sa ating mga kabataan (That is the wealth you will use to improve your lives. And that is our contribution to our youth).”
Marcos noted that the program is being implemented nationwide, potentially benefiting more than 200,000 students.
He said investing in education is crucial to improving the lives of Filipinos and ensuring long-term national development.
Marcos also encouraged the youth to prepare for leadership roles, saying that the time will come when they will be responsible for making key decisions for the country.
He expressed hope that the scholars would contribute to nation-building and help uplift their communities in the future.
Marcos also addressed presidential scholars in similar events held in Muntinlupa City, Las Piñas City, and Pasay City. (PNA)
