DSWD told to ensure orderly aid distribution

THE PRESIDENT has ordered Social Welfare Secretary Erwin Tulfo to ensure the orderly and immediate distribution of cash aid to indigent students across the country.

The order came following a chaotic outcome of the distribution of financial assistance to students in various places in the country. Even those that were not supposed to get the aid had received financial assistance with Tulfo telling them to return to quickly return the money.

“Ipinag-utos ni Pangulong Ferdinand Marcos Jr. sa Department of Social Welfare and Development na siguruhin ang maayos at mabilis na payout ng educational assistance para sa students-in-crisis na bahagi ng Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situation,” said Press Secretary Trixie Angeles.

Angeles said Marcos is monitoring the DSWD's distribution of financial aid to eligible students.

Because of the chaotic situation and how poorly the DSWD handled the distribution of cash aid, Tulfo said they signed a memorandum of agreement with the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) to avoid a repeat of the situation.

Long queues were also reported in DSWD’s provincial offices, prompting Marcos to order the agency to seek assistance with local governments for the distribution of educational assistance.

“Ayon kay DSWD Secretary Erwin Tulfo, nais ng Pangulo na maging katuwang ng ahensya ang DILG sa pamimigay ng assistance para sa mga mag-aaral na nangangailangan,” Angeles said.

In Zamboanga City, at least 29 people were injured in a stampede during the distribution of DSWD aid to students. The incident occurred at the Zamboanga City Coliseum where hundreds of students and parents rushed to claim the cash aid or education assistance.

Many of those who trooped to the coliseum came as early as Friday evening, but the poorly managed distribution of financial assistance resulted in chaos with beneficiaries pushing each other at the entrance. The City Hall confirmed that 29 people were reported injured in the stampede and that Mayor John Dalipe told “concerned agencies” to ensure proper coordination for a smooth and orderly distribution of cash aid to the DSWD beneficiaries.

Dalipe said the local government is ready and willing to support and provide necessary resources to ensure the well-being of the beneficiaries. It was unclear whether the event was coordinated with Dalipe’s office or not.

The DSWD has allocated P500 million cash aid for indigent students - P1,000 for elementary students; P2,000 for those in high school; P3,000 for those in senior high school; and P4,000 for those in college or taking up vocational courses. Qualified beneficiaries must present their enrollment certificates and school identification cards to DSWD offices.

The assistance will be distributed at the DSWD central office, regional, provincial, and other local offices for six Saturdays until September 24. (Mindanao Examiner)