Tuition for drug dependents’ kids

Capitol scholarships also offered to PWDs, victims of rape, trafficking child abuse

CAPITOL now has a scholarship program for children whose parents are victims of extra-judicial killings.

The Provincial Board (PB) approved on third and final reading last Monday an ordinance “establishing a scholarship program for the differently-abled, the marginalized, the less fortunate and the poor but deserving students who are residents of Cebu Province.”

Vice Gov. Agnes Magpale, the author of Paglaum Scholarship Program, said P1 million is initially allocated for the program, which will be charged under the 2016 annual GAD (gender and development) plan and budget.

There are 70 slots available for those who wish to enroll in the technical/vocational or tertiary level, said Magpale.

Section 5 of the ordinance says applicants must be 16 to 30 years old. They must be victims of rape, human trafficking, drug abuse, child abuse or children of drug dependents.

Also included are children of dysfunctional families, solo parents, deceased parents and those from a marginalized sector.

In the ordinance, a dysfunctional family is one where there’s conflict, misbehavior, child neglect and parental abuse.

All applicants are screened by a committee, as provided for in Section 6 of the ordinance. It will be chaired by the governor, with the vice governor as co-chairperson.

Members of the committee are consultants on barangay affairs; a Provincial Women’s Commission (PWC) GAD officer; PWC representative, as appointed by chair and co-chair; Provincial Social Welfare office (PSWDO); Provincial Health Officer (PHO); Provincial Treasurer; Provincial Budget Officer; Provincial Accountants; and Provincial Employment Services Office (Peso) manager.

“Way politika sa screening (There’s no politics in the screening),” said Magpale.

Section 7 said applicants must have a case summary, courtesy of PSWDO; and a psychological evaluation report prepared and signed by a government-licensed psychologist or guidance counselor of the applicant’s school of origin.

Applicants are also required to submit a birth certificate; parent’s consent; medical certificate signed by a local health officer; and a copy of the applicant’s report card in the last school year he attended.

Allowance

Scholars will receive P1,500 monthly allowance plus P10,000 tuition, Section 8 of the ordinance says.

Magpale said applicants only need to maintain passing grades in all subjects and one’s family income must be below the poverty threshold.

With the support of the governor and the PB members, Magpale hopes a P10million budget will be allocated next year for the program.

Applicants may apply directly in their local government units and PWC in preparation for the October-September start of second semester classes.