ISU students get cash aid from senator via DSWD

MORE than 2,500 Isabela State University (ISU) students received educational assistance from Sen. Maria Imelda Josefa «Imee» Marcos on Sunday, November 5, through the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD).

ISU Information Unit-Creative Media Services said the distribution led by the senator happened on her birthday in what appears to be a double, special celebration with ISU President Ricmar Aquino.

Marcos dedicated her birthday wish to the success and plight of ISU students, saying that her birthday gift is «because I believe that if we help our youth, we will never grow old. So, let us help each other for our young people.»

Aquino led ISU students to gather at the University Amphitheater in Echague Campus, which he said was likened to an early Christmas treat after receiving financial assistance from the senator.

The distribution of financial assistance to eligible students was made possible through the DSWD Educational Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situation (AICS) Program and DSWD Cash-for-Work Project for College Graduates (CFWP-CG) under the Kapit-Bisig Laban sa Kahirapan Comprehensive and Integrated Delivery of Social Services (Kalahi CIDSS).

Aquino noted that Marcos' initiative also included some 2,000 students shortlisted for the DSWD AICS Educational Assistance program, with an additional 500 for the CFWP-CG Program.

This included the allocation of 10 sets of desktop computers for the ISU-Echague Main Campus.

The AICS program offers cash aid to qualified students and individuals in a financial bind, while the CFWP-CG helps fresh college graduates engage in a three-month work experience within government agencies with wages appropriated by the program.

The university's Office of Students Affairs and Services (OSAS) assisted in the processing of requirements and applications for financial grants.

«We are dedicated to supporting the continuing academic journey of our deserving and qualified students to combat all forms of poverty,» OSAS said.