MANILA, PHILIPPINES — On Sunday, August 14, an email from the DSWD (Department of Social Welfare and Development) confirmed that the department does not have a scholarship program but only educational assistance for disadvantaged students at the moment.

Elementary school students can receive Php 1,000, while Php 2,000 for high school students. Senior high school students can receive a Php 3,000 assistance while P4,000 for vocational and college students.

This assistance is part of DSWD’s AICS (Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situations) program. It is a “safety net” to “support individuals and families” from “unexpected crisis situations.” 

Under the AICS program, people can also gain medical, burial, and transportation assistance.

Tulfo repeated that the financial assistance covers medical, burial/funeral, transportation, education, food, cash and other support.

Once every school year, elementary, high school and senior high school students can apply for educational assistance. Meanwhile, college and vocational students can apply every semester.

Who are eligible to apply for the DSWD Educational Program:

• Breadwinner
• Working student
• Orphan living with relatives
• Children of solo parents
• Parents are unemployed
• Child of Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs)
• A child of disabled persons (PWDs)
• A child of HIV-positive parent
• Domestic abuse victim
• Natural disaster victim

Only three children of each family are qualified to apply for and register for the DSWD Educational Assistance Scholarship Program. 

Who can apply?

Elementary students or grade school students, high school students, and vocational/college level students can apply for the DSWD Educational Assistance Program, according to a DSWD announcement.

What are the Documentary Requirements for Payout?

1. Proof of Enrollment (e.g., Certificate of Enrolment or Registration, school ID, etc.)
2. Authorization letters for applicants unable to apply in-person.
3. Valid ID of parents or guardians of the students
4. Valid ID of college/vocational students applying for the DSWD educational assistance.

What is the DSWD Educational Assistance Program’s application process?

• Walk-In applicants may visit the DSWD Central Office or Field Offices to pass the requirements.
• Online applicants may email ciu.co@dswd.gov.ph and send the requirements.

Those who applied via email is advised to wait for an email confirmation from the DSWD that will include the DATE and PLACE where you will receive the assistance and the requirements you must fulfill for the DSWD Educational Program.

Under the leadership of Secretary Erwin Tulfo, DSWD streamlined the granting of financial assistance to indigents, and they shortened the process from three to five days to just one day. –WhatALife!

Source: (1), (2)

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Also read: Scholarship Guide: UNIFAST Tertiary Education Subsidy (TES) 2022