The Batanes State College Amphitheater was the venue for the ceremonial hand over of financial assistances to fifty-seven (57) students from the same college on the 18th of January, 2024. The financial assistances, worth twenty-five thousand pesos each, were made possible by the collaborative effort of the CHED02 SMART focal Mr. Rey S. Tuddao and the office of the Hon. Congressman, Dr. Ciriaco B. Gato Jr. The event was attended by the Honorable Congressman, Dr. Ciriaco B. Gato Jr., Mr. Rey S. Tuddao and Ms. Roseby Langcay from CHED02 SMART, Batanes State College President, Dr. Djovi R. Durante, and representatives from Saint Dominic College, a neighboring Dominican school that also had student beneficiaries. Mr. Tuddao urged the students to use the financial assistances wisely and for educational purposes, while Dr. Ciriaco B. Jr. inspired them to pursue education as the great equalizer that can lead them to a bright future. Dr. Djovi R. Durante expressed his gratitude to the project partners and hoped that this program would motivate the students to continue studying and chasing their dreams under the guidance of the Batanes State College.