via GRAPHIC PLUS — As a way to help ease the burden of parents amid the ongoing oil crisis and rising prices of basic goods, Marikina City Mayor Maan Teodoro announced that the local government will shoulder all expenses for the city’s around 8,000 graduating Grade 6 and Senior High School public school students this year.

In a Facebook post, Teodoro emphasized the importance of making this milestone a meaningful and stress-free experience for both students and their families.

“Bilang nanay, alam ko kung gaano ka-special ang araw na ito, hindi lang para sa mga bata, kundi para sa buong pamilya,” Teodoro said.

“Kaya sa Marikina, sinisigurado natin na ang tagumpay ng bawat estudyante ay hindi dagdag gastos sa mga magulang,” she added.

She said the local government will provide free togas, graduation pictures, stage, lights and sound system, and snacks for graduating students and their families.

“Para sa araw na ito, ang focus lang ay mag-celebrate. Walang iniisip na gastos, puro saya lang kasama ang pamilya. Simpleng alaga, pero malaking ginhawa,” she said.

Teodoro also committed to providing a free laptop for the top graduating student and free tablets for the second and third top students.

Earlier, the local government received praises from transport workers for ensuring an organized and efficient distribution of fuel subsidies.

More than 9,000 public utility vehicle drivers, consisting of motorcycle taxi, delivery service, and jeepney drivers, received P5,000 in cash assistance from the Department of Social Welfare and Development amid rising fuel prices.

Beneficiaries thanked Mayor Teodoro and 1st District Rep. Marcy Teodoro, not only for the smooth process implemented by the local government but also the added support provided during the distribution, including free meals, snacks, coffee, and water, as well as grocery packs for PUV drivers.