DSWD asks for LGUs' help in educational aid distribution
CITY OF SAN FERNANDO---The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) on Wednesday asked for the assistance of local government units (LGUs) for the orderly distribution of educational aid for qualified "students in crisis" across Central Luzon.
This, following the massive crowds at distribution points which resulted in stampedes and complaints from ap p l i can t s.
DSWD Region III Information Officer Reiner Grospe said LGUs can help in an orderly distribution of the educational cash assistance.
The DSWD chief said this was agreed during their meeting with Department of Interior and Local Government offici al s.
"What we will do is cascade this down to the LGUs so we can reach even far-flung areas and beneficiaries will not have to go to DSWD extension offices," Grospe sai d.
"The partnership calls for organization and provision of venues. We are just waiting for the final guidelines of the partnership," he added.
The educational assistance is a long time program of the DSWD but it's only now that it drew much attention due to the rising costs of living, including education expenses, according to Gr ospe.
"We announced about it but probably, many have not gotten wind of it so when they were informed, they flocked to DSWD offices with the collective thinking and for the fear they will not be able to avail of it as funds might run short. This was coupled with the fact that prices are rising up. Nevertheless, we told them that we have multiple Saturdays---August 20 and 27, September 3, 10, 17 and 24 for the payout of those qualified which starts at 7:00 am," he said.
Some P9-million has been distributed by the DSWD, part of the P135-million allocated for Central Luzon on August 20.
"The public can expect a more orderly distribution of the assistance but we urge them to apply online. If you're an indigent or individual in a crisis situation, you may submit your school ID or enrollment certificate online via our email which could be found in the DWSD facebook," Grospe said.
"After applying, they will get a call from social workers of the DSWD. Additional requirements may be requested per type of crisis situation like for working students, children of solo parents, among others," he added.