PURSUING its commitment to extend its services to its new residents in EMBO barangays, the city of Taguig distributed on Monday scholarship allowance to 387 new Lifeline Assistance for Neighbors In-need (LANI) Scholarship beneficiaries from these barangays.

The beneficiaries comprise the 1st batch of new scholars. As of last week, there were already about 5,000 scholarship applicants from the Embo barangays.

The LANI Scholarship Program has seven types of scholarships with grants ranging from P15,000 to P110,000 per year. The allowances are given every semester. Those who get a semestral weighted average of at least 88.75 get an additional P5,000.

Prior to the distribution, the city conducted door-to-door delivery of notices to personally inform and invite students who qualified for the program. This is in addition to the e-mails sent to these successful applicants.

As a Transformative, Lively, and Caring city, Taguig ensures that every student who dreams of finishing a degree is able to complete either tech-voc courses, 4- or 5-year courses, or post-graduate studies. Designed to be inclusive and accessible to all, the scholarship program aims to benefit not just the top 10 percent of the graduating class but everyone who wants to continue their studies after graduating from high school.

“Binuksan natin ang scholarship program natin sa lahat ng gustong makapag-aral at makapagpatuloy sa kolehiyo. Sa Taguig, we recognize na may iba’t ibang klase ng katalinuhan at ito ay hindi nasusukat sa academic excellence lamang. We believe that your gifts or your talents in art or music or sports are also a form of intelligence,” said Mayor Lani.

She added that in Taguig, her administration believes that “investing in education is investing in the city’s strong foundation.”

Mayor Lani also expressed her deep appreciation for the parents who stood by their children and made a commitment to support their studies.

“Dear Parents, I’d like to thank you for being here today and for giving me a chance. For giving this partnership a chance,” Mayor Lani added as she addressed parents present during the distribution.

Ron Alvin Balbuena, a 4th-year Information Technology student from the University of Makati and resident of West Rembo, said that the scholarship program previously offered to them in Makati has grade requirements.

“Kailangan po maabot mo yung required grade lalo na sa major subjects,” Balbuena explained that he applied for the LANI scholarship program because he wanted to ease the worries of his parents.

He added that this would be a great help to many families in the EMBO barangays because they do not have to worry about the daily expenses of the students.

Balbuena’s mother, Susan, said she does not have to worry about the requirements of her son in school.

Meanwhile, Pembo resident Jowei Reign Anastacio also expressed her gratitude to Mayor Lani and the City of Taguig for the scholarship program.

“Nung nalaman ko po na tumatanggap na po ang Taguig ng applicants from EMBo barangays for LANI scholarship, hindi po ako nagdalawang isip na mag-apply,” said the 21-year-old Anastacio, a 4th year BS in Information Technology student.

Anastacio said she has long been aware of this scholarship program and its benefits to students because she has classmates who have been beneficiaries of the program since they were in first-year college.

For Anastacio’s father, Ronnie, the scholarship grant has boosted her daughter’s motivation to really finish her studies and reach her dreams. “Blessed kami sa ibinigay niyo at napakalaking tulong sa aming gastusin para sa aming mga anak,” Ronnie added.

By making the LANI Scholarship program accessible to all students, the local government hopes to provide equal opportunities to every student. This initiative not only allows students from financially disadvantaged backgrounds to attend college but also affords them the liberty to concentrate on their studies and extracurricular pursuits without the burden of part-time work.

Taguig has so far helped more than 83,000 scholars and produced more than 3,500 licensed professionals — with more than 50 of them placing Top 10 in the board exams including the topnotcher in the latest Registered Electrical Engineering Board, and the second placer in Criminology Board.