SAN FERNANDO CITY, La Union, Feb. 29 (PIA) – The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) distributed salaries to 223 beneficiaries of the Kapangyarihan at Kaunlaran sa Barangay-Cash-For-Work for State Universities and Colleges (KKB-CFW for SUCs) program in San Fernando City, La Union, on February 26.
 
This program, funded by Senator Imee Marcos, provides temporary work and income to fresh graduates and on-the-job trainees from Don Mariano Marcos Memorial State University (DMMMSU) while they search for permanent employment.
 
The 223 beneficiaries received a total of P1,563,040, covering their January service.
 
They were deployed to local government units (LGUs) and other government agencies for 90 days, earning a daily rate of P400.
 
According to Reysa Pilotin-Tigas, the officer-in-charge regional program coordinator of the Kapit-Bisig Laban sa Kahirapan-Comprehensive and Integrated Delivery of Social Services (KALAHI-CIDSS)  for Region 1, DMMMSU is one of three universities in the region benefiting from the program's P54 million budget.
 
The other two are Pangasinan State University (PSU) and Mariano Marcos State University (MMSU) in Ilocos Norte.

The University of Northern Philippines (UNP) in Ilocos Sur is expected to join the program in April.
 
"Hinihintay pa namin go signal nila [UNP], hopefully maka-start kami ng April," Pilotin-Tigas said.
 
(We're still waiting for the green light from the university. We hope that by April, we can start it for them.)
 
Erica Lyka Buccat, a beneficiary from Bacnotan town who worked at the Bacnotan LGU, said the program helped her develop her skills and professionalism.
 
"As a fresh graduate, nakakatulong talaga siya aside from sumasahod, nai-enhance pa po 'yong skills namin," she added.
 
(As a fresh graduate, it helps me because aside from the compensation, it allows my skills to flourish as well.) (JCR/AMB/REB/PIA Region 1)