The government has distributed a total of PHP5.28 billion in financial aid to 1.32 million Filipino parents of senior high students during Friday’s launch of a new social amelioration program aimed at defraying the costs of education.
The Tulong Eskwela Program is aligned with the directive of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. during his third State of the Nation Address (SONA) in July to work toward educational reform through technology and modernization, according to a news release from the office of Speaker Martin Romualdez.
Romualdez said the initiative, which was simultaneously launched in 220 areas in all provinces nationwide, is designed to alleviate the financial burdens that often hinder senior high school students from “realizing their full potentials”.
“By providing critical financial assistance to families across the nation, we are ensuring that education remains a reachable goal for every Filipino child, regardless of their economic background,” he said.
Each area of implementation has a total of 3,000 parents of senior high school students chosen as beneficiaries for the financial assistance under the Department of Social Welfare’s Ayuda para sa Kapos Ang Kita Program (DSWD-AKAP) and another 3,000 for employment assistance under the Labor department’s Tulong Panghanapbuhay Sa Ating Disadvantaged/Displaced Workers (TUPAD).
Overall, 660,000 parents would get PHP3,000 in cash aid each from AKAP and another 660,000 will receive PHP5,000 in employment assistance during simultaneous distribution ceremonies over the weekend.
“The integration of AKAP and TUPAD within the Tulong Eskwela Program not only provides immediate relief but also employment opportunities for the families of our students. This dual approach ensures that we are addressing both the short-term and long-term needs of our communities,” Romualdez said.
He said the Tulong Eskwela Program also fosters an environment of encouragement and support by investing in Filipino students on the “cusp of achieving their dreams.”
“Education is the cornerstone of progress, and it is through education that we can empower the next generation to lead our nation to greater heights. By enabling the youth to continue their education, we are investing in the development of a skilled, knowledgeable and potent workforce,” he said. (PNA)
