LIBMANAN, CAMARINES SUR – The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Bicol, through its Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situation (AICS) program, provided assistance to students belonging to the vulnerable sectors of Libmanan, Camarines Sur by distributing educational assistance.

A total of PHP 3,085,000 was disbursed to 617 students-in-crisis, providing each beneficiary with Php 5,000 in educational assistance. These beneficiaries include children of shearline affected fisherfolks, solo parents, and student breadwinners, who often face financial difficulties in pursuing their education. Some of them are children of tricycle drivers and habal-habal drivers.

Expressing gratitude for the assistance, Julieta Manzanero, 50, from Bagadion, Libmanan, Camarines Sur, remarked, “Maraming salamat sa serbisyo ninyo lalo sa DSWD, malaking tulong po ang educational assistance na ito upang makapagbayad po kami ng mga kailangan ng mga anak ko sa kanilang paaralan.”

The DSWD AICS program aims to alleviate the burden of families facing crisis situations by providing timely and appropriate assistance. With a total of 1,200 students in crisis beneficiaries in the municipality, the agency continues to fulfill its mandate of promoting social protection and improving the quality of life for all citizens.

In his speech, Regional Director Norman S. Laurio stated, “edukasyon ay isang pangunahing karapatan na dapat makuha ng lahat, anuman ang kalagayan. Sa pamamagitan ng mga programa tulad ng AICS, nananatiling matatag ang DSWD Bicol sa kanyang misyon na magbigay ng suporta at pagkakataon sa mga nahaharap sa pagsubok. Naniniwala kami na ang pag-invest sa edukasyon ay pag-iinvest sa kinabukasan ng ating mga komunidad.”

A separate payout for the remaining eligible clients is scheduled on March 20-21, 2024, ensuring that all deserving beneficiaries receive the support they need to pursue their education.#