CALOOCAN CITY, Sept. 15 (PIA) -- The Polytechnic University of the Philippines (PUP) is offering its Remote Education Stipend Amidst Pandemic or RESAP program to aid its college students amid their distance learning needs during this public health crisis.

"Ang layunin po nito ay makatulong sa kabataan na makatapos ng pagaaral at makipagsabayan na matuto sa tinatawag natin distance learning sa kabila ng hirap ng pandemic na dulot na ito," said Chairperson Dr. Cindy Soliman of the PUP's Department of Human Resources Management, College of Business Administration during this morning's Laging Handa Public Briefing.

This program was initiated by her office in partnership with the People Management Association of the Philippines, and the Manila Youth Development and Welfare Bureau.

"Sa bawat P5,000 na malilikom, isang estudyante ng PUP ang ating matutulungan para sa kanya internet at connectivity needs," Soliman explained.

She cited that most students in state universities and colleges have limited financial capacity and may become more vulnerable to the economic effects of the pandemic.

"Napakalaking hamon ng expenses sa pangangailangan ng internet connectivity para lamang makipagsabayan sa distance learning," Soliman said.

Many of the interviewed applicants for RESAP program said their families have lost livelihood amid the pandemic, she added.

Soliman, meanwhile, expressed the importance of putting a premium on youth education, especially in times of uncertainties.

"Pahalagahan po natin ang ating mga kabataan lalo na ang kanilang edukasyon dahil sila ay ang future leaders," Soliman said. (PIA-NCR)