Hundreds of parents and guardians of senior high school students in Odiongan and Calatrava received educational assistance under the Department of Social Welfare and Development's Tulong Eskwela Program on Thursday, September 5.
The program, implemented through DSWD's Ayuda Para sa Kapos ang Kita Program (AKAP) and facilitated by Romblon Lone District Representative Eleandro Madrona, provided financial support to families of senior high students.
At Odiongan National High School, about 955 parents and guardians received ₱3,000 each, while 393 beneficiaries in Calatrava National High School also received their assistance.
According to Abegail Fetilo, the Social Welfare and Development Team Leader in Romblon, through the congressional fund of Congressman Eleandro Madrona, the DSWD will distribute about ₱9 million in cash aid to 3,000 parents and guardians of senior high students in different towns in Romblon.
“Through prioritization, our government is gradually addressing their needs. We are experiencing economic crises, like inflation, but we feel the government’s presence because they are here,” said Fetilo.
Meanwhile, Madrona encouraged parents to continue supporting their children to complete senior high school.
“Sana itawid ninyo ang pangangailangan ng inyong mga anak nang sa ganun malagpasan nila ang senior high school at sila naman next time ay magiging sa kolehiyo na para mas malapit na ‘yung pangarap natin,” Madrona said, noting that while education is free, there are miscellaneous expenses needed to support students.
During the nationwide launch of the Tulong Eskwela Program last week, House Speaker Martin Romualdez stated that the program is aligned with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.'s directive during his State of the Nation Address (SONA) in July.
