To help poor students, the Office of Student Affairs and Services of the Mariano Marcos State University distributed financial assistance amounting to P2,500.

The money used for the cash aid came from donations of MMSU employees.

The distribution of the cash aid will continue until May 3.

“Through the Oplan Sappuyot program, MMSU intends to assist students who belong to a low-income family, whose parents’ sources of income were gravely affected by the pandemic, and have problems in coping with flexible learning,” the university said.

“With the accumulated amount of P222,500 which came from donations of MMSU employees, the program is able to distribute to 89 recipients who have been identified by OSAS,” it added.

OSAS Director Elizabeth Marfel Gagni said the initiative aims to help students pursue their education.

“We are being true to the essence of the Ilokano term Sappuyot — to uplift one’s condition with tenderness and affection,” Gagni said.

Honeyleen Canonizado, a 5th year BS Agricultural Engineering student, thanked the university.

“This is a big support for my study, especially as I’m writing my thesis this semester,” she said.

As of April 26, 54 students have received their cash assistance.