The Department of Social Welfare and Development in the Zamboanga Peninsula (DSWD-9) has allocated some PHP30 million for its educational assistance program in the region.

Ivan Eric Salvador, DSWD-9 information officer, said Friday they have scheduled six Saturdays to release the payout to identified beneficiaries in the area.

“The payout will start tomorrow (Aug. 20) until September 24. It will be on a first-come, first-served basis,” Salvador said in an interview.

Salvador said there are 1,251 identified beneficiaries in the Zamboanga Peninsula.

Salvador said the amount of educational cash assistance for each student-beneficiaries varies from PHP1,000 for elementary level; PHP2,000, high school; PHP3,000, senior high school; PHP4,000, college and vocational students.

The educational assistance is given annually to indigent students as well as those studying in vocational or technical schools, state colleges, and universities.

Students belonging to families who are experiencing a crisis due to the displacement of their parents from employment or the death of a family member, and those whose parents are overseas Filipino workers (OFW) but have been repatriated or deported, are also eligible for the assistance.

Salvador advised the identified beneficiaries to bring with them the complete requirements that include a certificate of enrollment, school identification (ID) card, and valid ID card of parents or guardians for college and vocational students. (PNA)