BAGUIO CITY – Cordillera Administrative Region – With the theme “Isulong: Kalidad na Edukasyon para sa Lahat ng Bata,” the 2016 Children’s Month celebration recognizes the importance of educating the Filipino children.
“We, in the Department of Social Welfare and Development, are one with the nation in recognizing the important role of children in our society as well the importance of quality education for these children to become more productive members of the society,” OIC-Regional Director Janet P. Armas said.
“With this, we are trying our best to help every child remain in school despite poverty,” Dir. Armas added.
The DSWD has been implementing programs and services specifically to support the said goal. The Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program is one which provides educational grants to poor households in exchange for at least 85% of the children’s school attendance. Selected students from Pantawid families are also provided with a scholarship through the Expanded Students’ Grants in Aid for Poverty Alleviation (ESGP-PA) implemented in partnership with the Commission on Higher Education.
Moreover, the DSWD also provides educational assistance to students through the Expanded Assistance to Individuals in Crises Situation (E-AICS). This assistance aids students who are currently enrolled but are threatened to drop out of school due to financial difficulties.
Children housed in DSWD-managed institutions are provided with educational services which include formal education, alternative learning, skills training, among others.
The National Children’s Month celebration is done annually pursuant to Presidential Proclamation No. 267 issued on September 30, 1993, to recognize and emphasize the important role of children within the Filipino family and in nation building.
By Nerizza Faye G. Villanueva