BY KEISHA PEARL E. LABRADA AND JESSIE MAE APLAON
FIVE HUNDRED twenty-three students and graduates of the University of Southeastern Philippines (USeP) received benefits from the Department of Social Welfare and Development’s cash-for-work program on Wednesday, July 17, 2024.
During the KALAHI-CIDSS culminating activity held in USeP, Monina Josefina H. Romualdez, DSWD undersecretary for operations, said they targeted 1,500 beneficiaries across three state universities and colleges in Region XI.
USeP, for one, has 1,108 student-beneficiaries.
“It is more than financial assistance. It is a commitment to your education, community, and personal growth” Vanessa B. Goc-ong, DSWD XI regional director, said.
Each beneficiary received P11,518.00 with a rate of P443.00 for eight hours of work a day for graduates and P221.50 for four hours of work for students.
In her speech at the turnover ceremony, Julie P. Dayaday, City Social Welfare and Development Office head, said the program has been instrumental in providing employment opportunities for college graduates and students.
“It has a big impact for us graduates since ma-enhance among skills kay gi assign mi nila kung asa ma-align among course,” Angel Joy Y. Gementiza, a graduate from USeP and cash-for-work program completer told TIMES.
Fierndel I. Esto, another beneficiary, shared with TIMES that the program greatly helped them considering their status as state university students, so whatever they earn would aid in financing their studies.
As of 2024, the KALAHI-CIDSS cash-for-work program has already enrolled 25,042 college graduates and students across 14 regions.
Photo: Bing Gonzales
