TUBOD, Lanao del Norte (PIA) -- A total of 1,200 students across various schools in the province received P5,000 in cash assistance each through the Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situations (AICS) program of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD).

Senator Imee Marcos supported the distribution, emphasizing the assistance's crucial role in easing the financial strain experienced by students and their families, especially amid the current economic difficulties marked by rising prices.

She emphasized that the students can use the assistance to cover various expenses, including transportation, food, uniforms, and projects, among others.

"Sana makatulong kahit papano, makatabang sa inyong pagtatapos, simple lang ang  atong paglaom nga sa bawat pamilya na makapagtapos kayo at sana tunay nga naa ng bawat isa ay makahanap ng trabaho at makatulong sa pamilya," she said. 

(I hope it can somehow assist you in finishing your studies. Our hope is just simple: to see you graduate, and hopefully, each one  of you can find a job and help your family.)

Ma. Elchee Mae Barliso, a fourth-year college student at Christ the King College de Maranding, Inc., expressed her appreciation for the aid, highlighting its significance in alleviating the financial pressure on her parents, particularly in terms of tuition expenses.

“As a student, dako siya katabang, especially sa mga tuition, makaless sa gasto sa parents,” she said. 

(As a student, it greatly helps, especially with tuition, reducing the expenses for my parents.)

The AICS program of the DSWD aims to assist individuals facing crisis situations. This includes medical, funeral, educational, transportation, food, and cash support. (LELA/PIA-10/Lanao del Norte)