By Mariela Angella Oladive
The City Social Welfare and Development Office (CSWDO) distributed financial assistance to 162 indigents in Iloilo City on December 27 at Iloilo Freedom Grandstand, Iloilo City Proper.
According to CSWDO Head Terry Gelogo, the beneficiaries include 49 elementary students, 71 high school students, 35 college students and 7 Huwaran (exemplary) who are also eligible. They were carefully selected through a comprehensive assessment of their socio-economic status.
Each elementary and high school student received a total cash assistance of P5,200 equating to P50 per day for 104 days throughout the school year, while the college students were granted 5,000 pesos per semester.
The total financial assistance distributed amounted to P834,000.
Gelogo said the assistance might not be that much, but it could help defray some expenses like transportation fare.
“Dako gid ni nga bulig sa ila, kay ang kabataan, may ara ya nagalakat lang gani kay wala man balon, this time ang P50 bisan indi sya enough, dako na nga bulig bisan sa pamasahe na lang,” Gelogo said.
Gelogo added that maintaining a minimum grade of 80 is a requirement for continued support, though the CSWDO acknowledges that circumstances may vary.
She emphasized that they will still consider cases where a student obtained below 80, especially when facing challenges beyond their control.
Initiated in 2002 with 30 beneficiaries, the program has expanded over the years, underscoring its success and relevance.
The initiative aims to empower less fortunate children through education, elevating barriers to learning and ensuring a brighter future is within their reach.
