The city government here distributed PHP2.44 million worth of financial assistance to its college scholars under the Public Employment Service Office (PESO) on Wednesday.

The beneficiaries, who are students of various private colleges and universities in the city, each received PHP3,000 for the first semester of the School Year 2025-2026.

In a statement on Thursday, PESO-Bacolod coordinator Jovelyn Canoy, who supervised the payout, reminded the scholars to show appreciation for the city’s assistance by following the scholarship program guidelines and continuing to serve the community.

“This is a privilege and a responsibility,” she added.

Starting this school year, each PESO scholar is entitled to receive an allowance of PHP3,000 per semester to supplement the tuition subsidy released by the city government to their respective schools.

Mayor Greg Gasataya said he hopes the financial aid could provide for the immediate academic and personal needs of the scholars during the Christmas holidays.

“By supporting education more, we choose a future where no Bacolodnon child’s potential is held hostage by social status or circumstance,” he added. (PNA)