ZAMBOANGA DEL SUR (PIA) — A total of 2,119 college students around the province received an educational cash assistance from the local government of Zamboanga del Sur through the Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situations (AICS) program of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) on August 31 and September 1 in Pagadian City.
The activity is in partnership with the provincial government through Governor Victor J. Yu and 1st district representative Divina Grace Yu who personally witnessed and graced the said event.
Thala M. Pakil, a freshman student from Southern Mindanao Colleges in Pagadian, extended her heartfelt gratitude towards the program, as she received her first cash assistance from DSWD.
Students enrolled from State Universities and Colleges and Universities (SUCs) receive an amount of Php 3,000.00 while students who enrolled in Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) receive an amount of Php 6,000.00.
“Isip usa ka estudyante nga nakadawat ani mga programa, dako kayo ning tabang para sa amoa kay hapit napod ang ting bayad sa exam, dako kaayo ning tabang para makabayad sa tuition,” she said.
(As a student who is a recipient of the program, it is a big help for us to pay our tuition since our payment schedule is already approaching.)
Meanwhile, Wahda S. Asim, a college student from the municipality of San Pablo also shared how the program will help her studies.
“Happy kaayo ko nga nahatagan ko ani para ikatabang sa akong kaugalingon para pod sa akoang ginikanan ug para sa akoang pag eskwela,” she said.
(I am very happy that I received this assistance, this will help me and my parents for my studies.)
The AICS program of DSWD is one of the social welfare services of the department that provides medical assistance, burial, transportation, education, food or financial assistance to qualified individuals in need of support services from the government.
The objective of the said program is to extend assistance to individuals who are experiencing crisis to meet their needs.
Further, the local government of Zamboanga del Sur made sure to be on the frontline in pushing and providing quality and affordable education to all Zambosurians by providing various educational assistance in the province.
These efforts of the government will be a great help in promoting education and breaking down financial barriers thereby empowering students to pursue their educational goals, contribute to their communities, and positively impact the world around them. (RVC/SBM/PIA9-Zamboanga del Sur)
