Early morning of August 27, more than a thousand students and parents alike lined up the street fronting the gymnasium of the Provincial Engineers Office hoping to get financial assistance from the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Aid to Individuals in Crisis Situation (AICS) - Students Assistance program. Each of them holds their documents to qualify them for such assistance.

buhay ako maka-uli,” (I am breastfeeding him, he might be starved when I got home late).

At about 9:00 a.m. she was able to get her cash assistance in the amount of P2,000 for her two children who are both elementary pupils. She was happy with what she got, saying that this will be for the school supplies and daily "baon" for her kids.

assistance for them noting that for  students like her, whose parents have meager income, sustenance of even basic school needs, is very hard for them.

Erica’s mother worked as a housemaid in Manila while her father is a driver and she has three other siblings who are in school, too.

Meanwhile, Jeffrey Gabucay, Antique Provincial Officer of Pantawid Pamilya Program, noted that this week’s distribution of AICS to students is more organized compared to the previous one.

He lauded the support of various agencies of government and offices under the local government units from provincial, municipal, and barangay levels for collectively working hard to ensure smooth and organized distribution of cash support.

As the distribution of cash assistance progresses, more students and parents who are economically disadvantaged are given the chance to avail of government assistance.

Hundreds are lining in queue braving the weather just to get the much-needed educational support, each of them carries the stories of hope and resilience, that one day, they will get the dreams they wanted for themselves or for their children.  (JBG/PSM/PIA-Antique)