MARAWI CITY, Lanao del Sur (PIA) -- City Mayor Majul Gandamra said one of the priorities of his administration is the development of the youth as they play an important role in society. 

In his State of the City Address, August 24, Gandamra elaborated on the initiatives carried out by his office for the past years to foster youth development.

He said they implemented various programs and projects for the youth, such as mental health and psychological support, organized a Marawi youth live painting contest by the City Tourism Office, job fairs, constructed the first Marawi Youth Center, and launched the Maranao Youth Development Plan 2023.

Gandamra said they likewise partnered with the National Youth Commission and Commission on Audit of Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao to conduct training and awareness programs on financial transactions for the youth.

As the city government continues its grind in helping the youth, it also implemented the "Iskolar ng Marawi" program, which helped financially challenged youth to alleviate the burden of their education. "Iskolar ng Marawi" is a 5-year scholarship program that started after the Marawi siege and assisted 2,000 students from elementary up to college.

"It fills my heart with great pride and joy to witness the transformation and growth of these scholars throughout their educational journey. For the past five years, the City Government of Marawi has worked tirelessly to provide financial assistance and support to deserving students from our beloved city," said Gandamra.

One of the scholars, Harvie Amerol, extended his gratitude to the City government of Marawi, sharing his happiness to have been one of the program beneficiaries as he finished his studies free from financial burden.

"Sobrang nagpapasalamat ako sa gobyerno sa tulong nila. Dati tinutulungan ako ng gobyerno, and ngayon na nagta-trabaho na ako, ako naman tumutulong sa pamilya. Kaya lubos ang aking pasasalamat talaga sa gobyerno," he said.

(I'm very grateful to the government for their help. The government used to help me, and now that I'm working, I'm helping my family. That's why I'm really grateful to the government.) 

The mayor announced that the scholarship program will extend its services for another five years to help more students realize and achieve their dreams and goals. (JND/PIA-10/Lanao del Sur)