By Alec Go
The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) will be providing educational assistance to all indigent students starting this Saturday, Aug. 20, DSWD Secretary Erwin Tulfo announced on Thursday.
Under the program, P1,000 will be given to students in the elementary level, P2,000 for those in high school, P3,000 for senior high school learners, and P4,000 for those in college. A maximum of three students per family will be covered.
The aid will be distributed in cash under the assistance to individuals in crisis situations (AICS) and will be implemented until Sept. 24. Beneficiaries will only need to present enrolment certificates and school IDs.
“I want this done immediately. Gusto ko kapag pumila roon, we will try our best na ang pinakamatagal na siguro ay pipila ang bata in about five hours,” Tulfo said, noting that the lessened requirements will expedite the distribution process.
“We will take our chances na tanggapin ang mga ‘yan (applications) at ia-assess naman ng ating social welfare officers,” he added.
He said the DSWD has around P500 million to fund the program, with around 24,000 expected beneficiaries who will claim the cash aid at the DSWD central office alone.
Students or their parents may also claim the assistance in DSWD regional and satellite offices.
The official has already instructed AICS personnel, regional office heads, and satellite office heads to report to work every Saturday to “supervise” the distribution and to ensure that the assistance is properly distributed.
“Simula ngayong Sabado at anim na Sabado hanggang Setyembre 24, dito sa main office magbubukas ang aming opisina na 7:00 a.m. at tatapusin [ang pag-asikaso] namin [sa] mga tao na nasa pila,” he said.
Regional, provincial, and satellite DSWD offices will also open at 8:00 a.m.
