VALENZUELA City Mayor Wes Gatchalian led other key officials in launching the Dr. Pio Valenzuela Digital Scholarship Payout held at the Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Valenzuela.
The initiative introduces a fully digital disbursement system for scholarship grants through LandBank ATM (automated teller machine) cards, accompanied by an orientation and contract-signing ceremony for the new batch of scholars, Gatchalian said.
To streamline transactions and expedite grant disbursements, the city government introduced this digital payout system, now allowing 797 “Valenzuelano scholars” — including 205 incoming freshmen — to claim their grants using their ATM cards, he said.
Before the official launch of the digitized disbursement program, qualified scholars signed their contracts and attended an orientation facilitated by the bank, according to the local government.
During the session, students received guidance on accessing their grants through their enrolled bank accounts, followed by a ceremonial distribution of their ATM cards, it added.
The partnership between the local government and LandBank underscores the city’s commitment to innovation, ensuring that public services are rendered more accessible and conveniently for beneficiaries, Gatchalian said.
He stressed that the initiative aims to eliminate long waiting times and minimize the inconvenience of queuing, guaranteeing that scholars receive their financial support in a timely and orderly manner.
“I am truly delighted. It feels deeply fulfilling to know that the city government’s funds are being spent wisely. It brings me joy to see the positive change this brings to the lives of our scholars. I hope we sustain and strengthen this effort — let us not squander this opportunity,” the city chief executive said.
Alongside the long-standing Dr. Pio Valenzuela Scholarship Program, which has consistently supported thousands of students over the years, he said the city government remains committed to elevating its services and continuously innovating programs that empower “Valenzuelano” learners in their pursuit of education.