Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Sec. Erwin Tulfo apologized for the commotion during the distribution of educational cash assistance on Saturday, August 20, at the central office of the agency in Quezon City.
"Pasensya na kayo pero expected din namin ito. Inopen kasi namin. Utos rin ito ng ating pamahalaan. Gusto ng ating pamahalaan, ng ating bagong pamahalaan, ay everybody inclusive, lahat kasama," Tulfo told reporters.
Tulfo assured that the roll-out of the cash aid will run until September 24, and that DSWD will allocate enough funds.
"Meron pa naman other Saturdays. Six Saturdays ito. Ito pa lang yung una. Meron pa tayong limang Saturdays na pwede kayong pumila," The DSWD chief said.
"Hanggang September 24 itong aming educational assistance. May nakalaan kaming kalahating bilyon rito. Kung magkulang, dadagdagan natin," he added.
Tulfo stressed that people can avail the financial assistance in the regional offices and field offices of the agency.
Under the DSWD Educational Assistance Program, indigent elementary students can receive Php 1,000; high school students can receive Php 2,000; senior high-school students can receive Php 3,000, and vocational and college students will receive Php 4,000.
A single household can only avail financial assistance for up to three students.
