ANTIQUE – The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) in Western Visayas released P11,672,000 in educational assistance to 4,256 learners here, based on a consolidated report as of Sept. 17.
Atty. May Rago-Castillo, DSWD regional information officer, said of the figure 1,113 were elementary pupils; 747 were high school students; 519 were senior high school students; and 1,877 were college students.
For the next payout schedule this Saturday, Sept. 24, additional 750 learner-recipients here will be able to avail themselves of the assistance.
In the entire region, DSWD-6 was able to release P108,249,000 in educational cash aid to 38,590 learners as of Sept. 17. Below is the breakdown of those who have already received the assistance:
* elementary – 8,837
* high school – 7,286
* senior high school – 5,028
* college – 17,439
Castillo said they wish to provide for all applicants but they only have P19 million in budget left, which will be released to around 7,105 learners for the last payout on Sept. 24.
Below is the breakdown of the 7,105 per province/city:
* Aklan – 736
* Antique – 750
* Capiz – 750
* Guimaras – 400
* Iloilo City – 550
* Iloilo – 1,811
* Negros Occidental – 1,571
* Bacolod City – 537
“We are approaching the Sept. 24, last payout, and we are targeting to release assistance to a total of 7,105 learners amounting to P19 million. This is last the payout for educational assistance unless there is contrary announcement or guidance from the central office,” said Castillo.
The educational assistance under DSWD’s Assistance for Individuals in Crisis Situations (AICS) is intended for students in crisis enrolled this school year to include breadwinners; working students; children of unemployed parents, solo parents, overseas Filipino workers in distress, those with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV); orphaned, abandoned or staying with their relatives; abused or displaced children; and victims of human-induced or natural calamities.
Qualified beneficiary enrolled in elementary grades will receive P1,000; P2,000 for secondary; P3,000 for senior high school; and P4,000, college/vocational course.
The cash assistance is limited to three children per family./PN
