One hundred ninety-four (194) college students out of Two hundred (200) identified beneficiaries of Pilar receive educational aid amounting to Three Thousand Pesos (P3,000.00) under the Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situation (AICS) of the Department of Social Welfare and Development Office (DSWD) on April 5-6,2022 held at the Local and National Government Complex Gymnasium, Calongay, Pilar, Sorsogon.

 

The two-day payout was administered by the DSWD Regional Office V and facilitated by the Municipal Social Welfare and Development Office headed by Ms. Anilyn L. Bon, MSWDO.

 

The Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situation (AICS) is part of the DSWD's protective services for the poor, marginalized, and vulnerable or disadvantaged individuals. It is also a technical assistance and resource augmentation support to local government units (LGUs) and other partners.

AICS is a regular program of the government for those individuals who are in need of assistance especially in this time of pandemic.

 

The DSWD’s grant of educational assistance, on the other hand, is extended only to indigent college students who are in crisis or difficult situation.

 

The beneficiaries were required to submit a photocopy of Certificate of Enrollment or Registration (signed by the student and the college registrar for SY 2021-2022), photocopy of validated school ID, and original Certificate of Indigency/Residency (signed by the Punong Barangay). And for students below 18 years old, their parents are the ones who processed their documents with parent's original copy of Certificate of Indigency/Residency and photocopy of any valid ID as additional requirement.

 

Ernie A. Leosala, 20 years old from barangay Cabiguan, a 2nd year student of Bicol University expressed his gratitude to the LGU Pilar and DSWD for providing cash aid to students like him. "I am very thankful po sa DSWD and LGU Pilar kasi dahil sainda dakulaon po na tabang ang tinao ninda na asistensya bako lang po sako pati na rin po sa family ko kasi dai na po ninda iisipon ang needs ko sa school," Leosala stated. [I am very thankful for the assistance that I have received from the DSWD through the LGU Pilar. This is such a big help not just for me, also for my family for they will no longer bother to spend for my school needs.]

 

Besides, Jennifer C. Lumbo, 21 years old from barangay Abucay, a 2nd year student taking up Bachelor of Elementary Education at Bicol University also expressed her gratefulness. "I am very grateful po sa opportunity na makaiba sa educational assistance kan DSWD. Gagamiton ko po sya pangload since naga-online class po kami and ibabakal ko po sya ki materials na kaipuhan para sa demo teaching and reporting", she exclaimed. [I am very grateful for the opportunity to be one of the beneficiaries of the DSWD. I will use the assistance to buy load since we are having our online class and I will purchase materials needed for the demo teaching and reporting.]

 

Furthermore, the amount of assistance was determined according to the assessment of the social worker based on the guidelines of AICS implementation.