Taguig scholarship fund now at P400M

Bigger, better, stronger.

This is how Mayor Lani Cayetano described the Lifeline Assistance for Neighbors In-Need (LANI) Scholarship Program for this year, which has been increased from P300 million to a staggering P400 million owing to its huge success in previous years and to accommodate its continuously growing number of scholars.

“The P100-million increase in the LANI scholarship fund is proof that here in Taguig, education is our top priority. We consider it a sound investment in what we believe is Taguig’s most valuable asset: its children,” Mayor Lani said.

“I thank the Taguig City Council for also recognizing that investing in the education of our students will leave a lasting legacy in our city.”

The 2014 P400-million LANI scholarship fund is by far the largest amount the city has ever allocated for the said program. This marks the fourth time the city increased its scholarship fund from a mere P5 million during the past administration to P100 million in 2011, P200 million in 2012 and P300 million in 2013.

“We want to raise generations after generations of professionals in order to improve the quality of life in our city in the near future,” said Mayor Lani.

To date, there are a total of more than 36,000 scholarships processed and a total of 24,000 scholars under the LANI program since its inception during Mayor Lani’s term as Taguig City’s chief executive.

Just last year, LANI scholars made the city proud by posting outstanding passing rates at the board exams for teachers, nurses, accountants and mechanical engineers.

The LANI program has eight basic categories of scholarship: basic scholarship or financial assistance; full scholarships; state universities and colleges (SUCs) and local universities and colleges (LUCs) scholarships; basic plus SUC/LUC scholarships; premier/specialized schools scholarships; leaders and educators advancement and development (LEAD); review assistance program for bar and board reviewees; and priority courses and skills training.

Aside from earmarking a considerable amount for scholarships, Mayor Lani instituted several reforms in the public education sector aimed at uplifting the quality of education in Taguig City.

In fact, education is free in Taguig from pre-school to college. Aside from that, the city also provides free school uniforms, school shoes, bags and other school supplies.

Moreover, to address the lack of classrooms in public schools in Taguig, additional school buildings and modular classrooms were built during Mayor Lani’s administration. ###