THE LOCAL government of Ilocos Norte increased its budget for scholarship programs to provide quality and accessible education.

Dr. Danny Daquioag, education consultant of the province, said Ilocos Norte already allotted P65 million this year for 2,047 scholars.

“Academic scholarship remains to have the biggest number of budget allocation while there are more available slots for applicants who are interested to pursue careers in agriculture and fisheries as well as in the arts program,” Daquiog said.

He noted the province is currently offering financial assistance to medical students, academic achievers, art students, agriculture and fishery programs in college and secondary levels; technical and vocational students; and to qualified senior high school students.

In 2021, the provincial government introduced three new scholarship programs, namely, Doctor of Medicine with 16 recipients; agriculture and fishery programs with 80 beneficiaries in college and 216 in high school; and art scholarship program with 220 grantees.

“For this year, we hope to accommodate more scholars under the new categories with an increase in their stipends,” said Saul Paulo Lazo, provincial board member.

“There are plans to propose another scholarship program for students to assist those interested to take up law and help in the resolution of voluminous pending cases in court,” he added.