The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), in partnership with the Provincial Government of Camarines Sur, conducted the payout of Educational Assistance under the Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situation (AICS) to a total of 1,591 beneficiaries on August 27, 2022 at the Capitol Convention, Cadlan, Pili.
AICS is one of the programs of DSWD that provides financial assistance to individuals especially the marginalized sector in crisis situations due to sudden sickness, death, hunger, stranded and calamities. Through AICS Program, the DSWD was able to provide assistance for immediate medical, burial, transportation, food and shelter needs. Apart from this, they also have educational assistance to aid the students in need.
With the reopening of schools and as students finally resume to face-to-face classes this month after two years of pandemic, the DSWD grants students in crisis to get a financial assistance through the AICS- Educational Assistance Program. Student-beneficiaries depending on their school level and qualifications may receive an assistance ranging from P1, 000 to P4, 000. P1,000 for Elementary, P2,000 for Junior High School, P3,000 for Senior High School and P4,000 to College and Vocational students are given. This assistance is provided to aid students in paying for their school needs such as tuition fees, school supplies, projects, allowances and other school-related expenses.
For Gelmarie Roldan, 30 years old from Mandacanan, Libmanan, a mother of three whose kids are in Kindergarten, Grade 1 and Grade 3, the educational assistance she received is a big help for her as she can finally provide for the school needs of her children. According to her, “Ini pong educational assistance na naresibe ko, ibabakal ko na po ini nin bag saka gamit ninda sa eskwelahan. Dakulang tabang na po ini sa arog ko na ang agom sarong construction worker tapos ako na mayong trabaho.”
A mother’s love for her children is indeed immeasurable as she patiently waited in a long line just to get the educational assistance for her children. “Maski gaano po kalaba ang pila, okay lang po. Talagang nag tiyaga po talaga kami para sa mga aki.” Roldan also added.
Entirely grateful for the assistance, Roldan can’t put into words the overwhelming feeling after what she has gone through just to claim the assistance. She only expressed her deep gratitude to DSWD and Provincial Government, “Dakulang tabang po talaga asin dakulang pasasalamat sa DSWD asin gobyerno probinsyal ta igwa na po kami nin pandagdag pambakal nin gamit kan mga aki para sa pag-eskwela ninda. Salamat po.”
Despite the need to wake up early to travel to the venue where the payout will be held, the 19-year old student Michell Palenquez of Vigaan, Sipocot proved that long travels will never be a hindrance and that she will make extra effort just to claim her educational assistance especially that she is now a college student.
“Sobrang laking tulong po nitong educational assistance na ito kasi marami kaming gastusin na kinakaharap tulad na lang ng mga bayaran sa uniform at sa kung saan-saan pa pong bayarin para sa mag-aaral. Masaya ako na nakuha ko na ito ngayon at lubos akong nagpapasalamat kasi nakakatulong talaga sila sa estudyanteng tulad ko na kinukulang sa budget, kaya maraming salamat po.” Palenquez shared.
Roladan and Palenquez are just among the thousands of beneficiaries who patiently waited for their turn to be able to claim their educational assistance through the AICS Program. No amount is too small when it is an assistance from the government that can help students lessen the burden from the shoulders of their parents regarding the expenses in school in order for them to continue their studies.
The Provincial Government of Camarines Sur is one with DSWD in supporting the students and the youth in the province in pursuing their studies and achieving their dreams. For education is the best investment and the wealth that can never be taken away from anyone.
