A photo shared by the Philippine Information Agency in Ilocos Sur showed parents of students lining up at the DSWD local offices to get educational aid. Image from PIA-Ilocos Sur / Facebook
LAOAG CITY, Ilocos Norte — At least 11,953 “students-in-crisis” in the Ilocos region have received their one-time cash aid from the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) since the agency started its education assistance payout this month.
In an announcement on Sunday (Aug. 28), the agency said at least P35 million in cash assistance had been distributed to the region among qualified students.
On the first day of the distribution on Aug. 20, the regional DSWD said at least P20 million was given to 5,715 students in the region. The following week, some 6,237 students were given financial aid, totaling P15 million in funds.
So far, at least 1,672 students have availed of educational assistance in Ilocos Norte province, while 2,303 in Ilocos Sur, 5,232 in La Union, and 2,746 in Pangasinan province, according to the data from the regional DSWD.
Under the agency’s Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situation (AICS), financial aid is being given to vulnerable families to help their children defray educational expenses.
Outright cash amounting to P1,000 is distributed to students enrolled in elementary, P2,000 for high school students, P3,000 for senior high school students, and P4,000 for individuals enrolled in college and vocational courses.
The DSWD said a family could receive financial assistance for up to three students during the duration of the payout scheduled every Saturday, from Aug. 20 to Sept. 24.
The agency asked qualified students to register with their local social welfare and development office at their city or municipal halls. INQ
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