QUEZON CITY -- Staying true to its commitment to improve the implementation of its social protection programs, the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) reported that the second week of payout for the educational assistance of students-in crisis was implemented smoothly and peacefully with the help of the local government units (LGUs).

It can be recalled that the DSWD signed a deal with the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) to tap LGUs in providing venues and security to guarantee the seamless and expeditious distribution of educational assistance, which is under the Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situation (AICS) program of the DSWD.

On Saturday, August 27, 2022, most regions opened the payout for the educational assistance in an orderly manner, with some DSWD Field Offices (FOs) innovating to provide better services to clients in queue. Specifically, the DSWD FO NCR provided entertainment through a karaoke sing-a-long session, while clients in DSWD FO V in Sorsogon were given free meals and bus rides by the Provincial Government.

As of 9am August 29, more than Php199.6 million worth of educational aid were distributed to 79,747 beneficiaries nationwide for the second Saturday of the payout. Bulk of which went to the 26,704 college/vocational beneficiaries amounting to Php106.6 million; more than Php33.9 million to the 11,286 senior high school beneficiaries; Php34.4 million to the 17,254 high school qualified applicants; and, Php24.5 million to the 24,503 elementary students.

In total, the DSWD has distributed Php387.9 million worth of educational assistance to 153,315 students-in-crisis for the first and second week of the payout.

The DSWD, through its Field Offices (FOs), will continue to collaborate with LGU partners to ensure the efficient and safe distribution of aid to students-in-crisis while adhering to existing minimum health and safety protocols amid the ongoing pandemic until September 24, the last Saturday of the educational aid payout of the agency. (DSWD)