The DSWD recently initiated a financial assistance program for underprivileged students returning to school, called the AICS Educational Assistance. The six-week program will extend support to elementary, high school and college students.
Students in Region 5 (Albay, Camarines Sur, Camarines Norte, Sorsogon, Catanduanes, and Masbate) who want to apply for financial aid can consult the DSWD Field Office 5 instructions.
During the months of August and September, beneficiaries could earn between P1,000 and P4,000. Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) participants are not eligible for this cash assistance.
Nonetheless, several of the 4Ps have already received financial support. Previously, the DSWD encouraged 4Ps members who received cash aid to return it. Despite this, no one responded to the request.
And, as a result of how the administration handled the situation, this has recently become rather controversial. Despite this, the department continues to assist students who require financial assistance and are deserving of it.
What is the AICS Educational Assistance Program?
AICS is a DWSD program that helps those in need acquire food, medicine, transportation, and other necessities. The abbreviation AICS stands for “Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situations.”
Assistance is provided in this case so that the individual can continue their education. Reading the rest of this guide will teach you more about who is eligible for the program, the rules, and how it works.
As the name implies, the Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situations (AICS) – Educational Assistance Program provides financial assistance to students in need. This money can be used to pay for the beneficiaries’ school fees, books, supplies, projects, allowances, and other expenses.
The DSWD is focusing on aiding “students in crisis” because the program is underfunded.
DSWD Field Office 5 Qualifications
What does it mean to say that a student is “in crisis”? The DSWD says that a student in crisis is one who is a:
- Working student;
- Breadwinner of the family;
- Child of a solo parent;
- Child whose parents are unemployed;
- Child of an overseas Filipino worker (OFW);
- Child of a parent with Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV);
- Orphaned/abandoned child living with relatives;
- Victim of abuse; or
- Victim of calamity or natural disaster.
Benefits
How much money does the program provide to aid with school expenses? Qualified individuals may be eligible for the following financial assistance, depending on their educational background:
- Elementary — PHP 1,000.00
- High School — PHP 2,000.00
- Senior High School — PHP 3,000.00
- Vocational/College — PHP 4,000.00
Requirements
Individuals who are eligible to apply for DSWD Educational Assistance must meet the following requirements:
- School ID of the student;
- Valid ID of parent or guardian;
- Certificate of Registration/Enrollment; and
- Statement of Account indicating the name of the school and the student’s miscellaneous fees.
NOTE: The aid will be given to the child’s parent or legal guardian for their education. To avoid complications during the process, ensure that the documents are authentic and accurate. Anyone who produces false documents will face legal consequences.
How to Claim DSWD Financial Assistance for Education in Albay, Camarines Sur, Camarines Norte, Sorsogon, Catanduanes and Masbate
For those who qualify as a beneficiary of AICS Educational Assistance in the Bicol region may scan the QR code (link: bit.ly/AICSEARegionV) and fill out the Google form.
Only those who register using the QR code will be entertained. No walk-in will be accepted at the agency’s offices.
Further announcements will be made soon, so keep posted.
Note: This process is for those in the Bicol region (Albay, Camarines Sur, Camarines Norte, Sorsogon, Catanduanes and Masbate).
At the DSWD Field office, your application will undergo an initial assessment by a Social Worker — for verification and approval — before payout of the educational aid.
Only clients who have received the confirmation text will be assessed for Educational Assistance. All successful applicants will go through an interview assessment of Field Office 5’s social workers.
As for the schedule of “Educational Assistance Payout,” this will be held every Saturday, on the following dates: August 20, August 27, September 3, September 10, September 17, and September 24, 2022 — at the DSWD Central Office and Field Offices.
Note: Those who receive text messages are advised to bring their own water and food.
Video: The DSWD Educational Assistance Programs
Watch this Facebook video of DSWD Secretary Erwin Tulfo about the AICS – Educational Assistance Program:
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are some frequently asked inquiries regarding the DSWD’s AICS Educational Assistance Program in the meantime:
1. How much educational assistance can I get?
Following are the financial aid amounts: (a) PHP 1,000 for elementary school; (b) PHP 2,000 for high school; (c) PHP 3,000 for senior high school; and (d) PHP 4,000 for vocational/college.
2. How do I know if I am qualified for educational assistance?
As previously indicated, the program is strictly for “students in crisis.” If you are one of the following, you are considered a student in crisis: (a) working student; (b) family breadwinner; (c) child of a single parent; (d) child whose parents are unemployed; (e) child of an overseas Filipino worker (OFW); (f) child of a parent infected with the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV); (g) orphaned/abandoned child living with relatives; (h) victim of abuse
3. How can I apply for educational assistance?
To request DSWD Educational Assistance, send an email to ciu.co@dswd.gov.ph or go in person to the nearest regional or field office. A social worker will assess your request before deciding whether or not to grant you with school funding.
4. When is the pay out of the educational assistance?
In 2022, the following Saturdays will see the distribution of the DSWD’s educational assistance: August 20, August 27, September 3, September 10, September 17, and September 24. The DSWD Central Office opens on the specified days at 7:00 a.m. to accept applications and start disbursing funds, while DWSD Field Offices across the nation open at 8:00 a.m.
5. Who can I call to ask about the program?
If you have any questions, concerns, or complaints about this program or any other DSWD program, please call their Agency Operations Center (AOC) at the numbers listed below.
Contact Number: 0524805754
NOTE: The aforementioned lines can be reached from 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. on Monday through Friday and from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. on weekends and holidays.
Summary
On August 20, 2022, over 48,000 students in the Philippines will be able to receive financial assistance for their studies through the DSWD’s Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Educational Assistance program. The program will finance a total of over PHP 140 million for these students. If you or your child are eligible for this program, you should contact the relevant DSWD office in your area.
DISCLAIMER: The main goal of this guide is to provide people with general information. You can find out more about the Educational Assistance Program by going to your DSWD regional office’s official website and Facebook page.
Contact Information: DSWD Field Office 5
If you have any questions, please contact the DSWD Field Office 5 at the following address:
Address: PBN, Magnolia St, Legazpi City, 4500 Albay
Telephone: 0524805754
Website: http://www.fo5.dswd.gov.ph/
Google Map Location:
