DSWD runs out of funds for educational assistance

The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) has announced it is halting its educational assistance program, admitting it has run out of funds following a deluge of requests from claimants.

In a statement, acting Social Welfare Secretary Virginia Orogo urged pending claimants to request aid instead from their respective town or city governments.

“We sincerely apologize to our clients seeking educational assistance because we can no longer accommodate their requests. The budget of the (DSWD) central office for the program has already been depleted and we need to request for additional budget to finance the program,” she said.

The Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situation (AICS) is the agency’s grant for educational aid to indigent families.

Annual aid

Under the program, the government gives P1,000 as annual aid for each qualified elementary pupil, P1,500 for high school children, and P3,000 for college students.

The DSWD decided to stop giving AICS after thousands of claimants, some with children in tow, trooped to its central office in Barangay Batasan in Quezon City.

Orogo expressed concern over the health risks faced by the claimants, who braved the heat as they waited in long lines.

“Some clients also bring their small children because they have no relative who can watch over their kids at home. It is very unsafe and we cannot guarantee their security at all times,” she said. — MELVIN GASCON