Thirty (30) out of 80 Grantees in the Lone District of Antique received Php 25,000 educational assistance through Commission on Higher Education (CHED) Student Monetary Assistance for Recovery and Transition (SMART) Grants at Busali-an Hall today, February 15.

CHED Chairperson, Dr. J. Prospero De Vera III, on his video message, stated that SMART is a one-time educational assistance that aims to help the students from all the Higher Education Institutions all-over the country.

An orientation on CHED SMART Scholarship Program was also conducted by Dr. Danebeth G. Narzoles, CHED Education Supervisor and Student Financial Assistance.

Dr. Pablo S. Crespo Jr., University President, recognized that the students received the grant through the support and initiative of Congressman AA Legarda and Senate President Pro Tempore Loren Legarda to include in the budget of CHED the grants that will be received by the qualified students from the Province of Antique.

The CHED SMART Grant which includes funds for educational expenses and cost of living allowance is under the National Employment Recovery Strategy which aims to increase the success of students to graduate despite the effects of pandemic.

Hon. AA Legarda on his message stated that the educational assistance is their way of giving the grantees, who play an important role in the economic growth, the opportunity to stay in the province.

“That’s why we’re giving you this grant for you to continue studying and graduate from the university. Education is the best that we can give,” Hon. Legarda added.

The 30 students belong to the first batch of CHED SMART Program grantees./IU