Financial Aid for 700 Albay Students Through SMART Grant Program

LEGAZPI CITY: A significant financial boost is set to benefit at least 700 undergraduate students in Albay province, with each slated to receive a PHP25,000 grant through the Student Monetary Assistance For Recovery and Transition (SMART) Grant program. This initiative is scheduled to commence early next year, offering crucial support to the student community.

According to Philippines News Agency, Representative Raul Angelo Bongalon of the Ako Bicol (AKB) Party-List and a member of the House Committee on Appropriations, the SMART Grant is a collaborative project between the Commission on Higher Education (CHEd) and the AKB Party-List. The program, with a total fund allocation of PHP17.5 million, is designed to help students manage their educational expenses and living costs amidst the challenges posed by the pandemic.

During a recent interview, Rep. Bongalon highlighted the importance of this initiative, particularly in the context of the pandemic’s impact on students and the transition back to face-to-face classes. He emphasized that the grant aims to support the sustenance of learners’ needs, acknowledging the critical role of education in nation-building.

The 700 beneficiaries, who have already attended an orientation session, are undergraduate students currently enrolled in various tertiary institutions in Albay. Rep. Bongalon emphasized the broader significance of the SMART grant, viewing it as not just a financial aid package but a step towards ensuring that youth, especially those in need, can continue their education. The program aims to enable more Bicolano students to graduate and contribute to the nation’s workforce.

During the orientation, students were briefed on the criteria and application process for the grant. Additionally, they received guidance on how to utilize the financial aid effectively, maximizing its impact on their academic and personal development.