Nearly 3,300 students in the Bicol Region have so far received educational cash assistance from the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD).
In an interview on Tuesday, Marygizelle Mesa, DSWD-Bicol information officer, said they distributed some PHP9.6 million worth of cash aid under the agency’s Assistance for Individuals in Crisis Situation (AICS) during the first payout last Saturday.
“The ‘angels’ in the red vest of DSWD-Bicol in the different provinces were able to serve this much despite the many challenges encountered. With the help of our other partner agencies such as the local government units which provided logistical support, the medical team and venue, the Philippine National Police for security and crowd control, and the media partners who constantly help in information dissemination. The first Saturday of the distribution of the educational assistance was indeed a big success and we were able to once again give our “Serbisyong Oragon sa Lahat ng Panahon,” Mesa said.
DSWD-Bicol distributed PHP1.2 million for 420 students in Albay province; Sorsogon – PHP428,000 for 157 students; Masbate – PHP834,000 for 306 students; Catanduanes – PHP1.4 million for 422 students; Camarines Sur – PHP3.6 million for 1,143 clients; and Camarines Norte – PHP2 million for 848 students.
Each pupil in the elementary level received PHP1,000; those in junior high school, PHP2,000; senior high school, PHP3,000; and PHP4,000 for those in college/vocational school.
Mesa said those who were listed but not served during the first day will have to wait for their schedules.
“Same goes for the online applications. The names of the applicants will still be cross-matched to our database to ensure that there will be no duplication of assistance. A text message will be sent to the contact numbers provided by the applicants informing them of their schedules of payout,” she said.
The next payouts will be on Aug. 27, Sept. 3, 10, 17, and 24. DSWD-Bicol encouraged those who will be included in these distribution activities to follow the official page of DSWD Region V for regular and legitimate updates.
Meanwhile, DSWD-Bicol has prepared 32,242 family food packs (FFPs) amounting to PHP16.7 million for those who might be affected by Tropical Storm Florita and the possible eruption of Mayon Volcano.
“We also have a standby fund of PHP5 million, and the FFPs are now available at DSWD warehouses in Legazpi City, Camarines Norte, Camarines Sur,Catanduanes, Sorsogon and Masbate,” Mesa said.
She added that the agency has prepared non-food items including tents, family kits, hygiene kits and blankets, among others, worth a total of PHP33.5 million. (PNA)
