Talisay City Mayor Gerald Anthony Gullas has said that 84 scholars are presently benefitting from the local government's educational support program for students from indigent families.

The scholarship allows deserving students to enroll in any premier university in Cebu with the exception of the University of the Visayas.

During his State of the City address delivered recently, Gullas said that aside from education, they have focused on improving road networks, putting up a dialysis center, and providing free Internet connection for students.

He also vowed full transparency and accountability in government, saying public office is about service and not power.

"It's about cutting the bureaucratic tape to make people feel the services. It's about getting away from traditional politics because it's a brand of service where you don't even need to see the city mayor if you ask for help from the government," Gullas said.

"It's about building infrastructure and programs that the poorest of the poor can feel during their times of need," he added.

Last July, 1,349 scholars of the city government graduated from the Talisay City College after enjoying free tuition and a P20,000 allowance per semester.

Gullas also reported the completion of e-learning centers in Barangays Bulacao and Tabunok where students can access free Internet connections and an e-library.

For infrastructure, Gullas included the completion of the Talisay Liberation Park, the installation of an LED wall, Phase 1 of the Poblacion Boardwalk, the Sports Center, and improvements to the road network.

About 3.5 kilometers of road were asphalted at six meters wide per road section, he pointed out.