Some PHP27 million have been disbursed for the educational payout in Davao Region as of Aug. 27, the region’s Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD-11) said Tuesday.
In a statement, DSWD-11 said the amount was given to around 11,023 students in various grade levels.
The aid is under the DSWD's Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situations (AICS) program, which has been extended to cover students in crisis or emergencies.
Marigen Anislag, 46, a resident in this city, received PHP3,000 aid for her Grade 12 child.
Anislag thanked the government for the much-needed assistance because they recently lost their home after a fire razed their community.
"The tragedy consumed the entire house, including clothes and all our equipment. We only save ourselves," she said in the dialect.
Wearing clothes donated by a friend, Anislag immediately went to the DSWD-11 office after receiving a text message notifying her that she can process her educational assistance application.
"I am very grateful to the DSWD because the aid goes directly to us. I worked hard to get it and explained to the assessor the real crisis we are going through," she said.
Meanwhile, the DSWD-11 has warned the public against “fixers" offering help to applicants to process their AICS educational cash aid.
“Everyone is warned that this method is illegal, and it is never good to deal with such individuals who are monetizing our needs,” the agency said.
The DSWD-11 payouts will continue every Saturday until Sept. 24
Source: Philippines News Agency