DSWD distributed P1.3B in educational aid - exec

The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) has distributed P1.3 billion out of the P1.5 billion allocated for the educational assistance program for indigent students.

In an interview on Dobol B sa GTV on Saturday, DSWD spokesperson Assistant Secretary Romel Lopez said that the agency had served 560,000 students, surpassing its target of 400,000.

September 24 is the last day of the educational aid distribution.

The DSWD had already closed the online application for its educational assistance program due to the high volume of applications despite a limited budget.

As to whether or not the distribution will be extended, Lopez said it depends if there will be enough funds.

“Pero kung wala na, ikinalulungkot namin na hanggang doon na lang,” he said.

(Unfortunately, the payout will not continue if there are no more funds.)

Up to three students per indigent family can receive a cash aid worth P1,000 for elementary students, P2,000 for high school students, P3,000 for senior high school students, and P4,000 for tertiary students, according to the DSWD. — VBL, GMA News