Manila: A total of 590 students and graduates from Davao del Sur State College (DDSSC) have benefited from the Department of Social Welfare and Development-Davao Region's (DSWD-11) Kapit-Bisig Laban sa Kahirapan-Comprehensive and Integrated Delivery of Social Services (KALAHI-CIDSS) cash-for-work program for higher education institutions this year.

According to Philippines News Agency, at a Monday press briefing, KALAHI-CIDSS focal person Dyan Mary Joy Atillo noted that the beneficiaries include 150 graduates and 440 currently enrolled students at DDSSC. The initiative aims to provide short-term employment opportunities for students while pursuing their education and for graduates preparing for pre-employment.

Atillo explained that for students, the work duration is four hours per day for 25 days, resulting in compensation of PHP6,370. In contrast, graduates work eight hours per day and receive compensation of PHP12,750. Graduates were assigned to assist with operations of the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program in DSWD offices and local government units, handling tasks such as data entry, school visits, and administrative work. Students, meanwhile, were deployed for clerical and administrative support at the school.

Atillo emphasized that the program's main goal is to provide temporary income, valuable work experience, and practical skills to improve employability while supporting education or workforce transition. Beyond individual benefits, the program also supports vulnerable households, promotes community participation in local development, and mitigates the economic impact of poverty and emergencies.