TO HELP indigenous youth pursue their education, the provincial government of Negros Occidental distributed P2.6 million in financial assistance to hundreds of learners.

At least 350 elementary and high school students benefited from the provincial government’s Educational Assistance for Indigenous Peoples’ Basic Education Scholarship Program.

EAIBE is a bridging program that supports IP children to finish basic education so they could proceed to college.

Each beneficiary received P7,500 for school supplies, transportation and school projects for the current school year.

Of the 350 students, 72 are elementary pupils while 278 are high school students.

They come from the IP communities in the municipalities of Ilog, Hinobaan, Cauayan, Binalbagan, Isabela, Valladolid, Don Salvador Benedicto, Toboso, Calatrava, and the cities of Kabankalan, Himamaylan, Sagay, Escalante, Cadiz, and San Carlos.

The distribution was led by Governor Bong Lacson, Board Member Rita Gatuslao, chairperson of the SP Committee on Education, and provincial and local officials.

Lacson earlier said the provincial government supports the IPs’ endeavors and wants to provide their children with the opportunity to finish their studies.

“IP students also excel given the right opportunity and support for their studies,” he said.