AROUND 145 student athletes were given scholarship grants by the local government of Navotas City.

City Mayor John Rey Tiangco, together with Navotas School Division Office Superintendent Dr. Meliton Zurbano, student athletes and their parents, signed a Memorandum of Agreement for the Navotas Athletic Scholarship Program.

This program was a part of the 17th Founding Anniversary of Navotas City.

The city government granted scholarships to 145 new student athletes with outstanding performance in sports in the elementary and high school levels.

Tiangco said that the new scholars included 38 champions from Navotas Division Palaro in athletics, 24 students in swimming, 21 in taekwondo, 18 in arnis, and 16 in badminton.

Additionally, there were 11 table tennis medalists, 10 in pencak silat, seven in chess, and nine in arnis.

The student athletes will receive a transportation and food allowance of P16,500, along with P1,500 for their uniform and equipment during each scholarship term.

They will also benefit from free training from coaches from the city government and support for their participation in competitions.

The local chief executive also said the scholarship can be renewed annually for as long as they land in at least third place or its equivalent in any regional or national sports competition, attend all required training, and should maintain satisfactory academic performance.

Tiangco expressed hope that the scholarship will encourage them to study harder.

“This achievement is a testament to your perseverance and dedication in your chosen sports. I encourage you to continue honing your skills and talents, and at the same time, strive hard in your studies to maintain your grades,” he said.

“Your success is the success of the entire Navotas community. Keep striving and dreaming. With your determination, you can achieve your dreams,” the mayor added.

It was also learned that the city government also provides scholarships to students who demonstrate exceptional academic performance and artistic talent as well as to children or relatives of the Top Ten Most Outstanding Fisherfolk.