Students and graduates of two state universities in Negros Island Region (NIR) have availed of financial relief through the Department of Social Welfare and Development’s (DSWD) Kapit-Bisig Laban sa Kahirapan-Comprehensive and Integrated Delivery of Social Services (KALAHI-CIDSS) cash-for-work program.
Data on Thursday showed the beneficiaries include 125 students and graduates from Central Philippines State University (CPSU) in Negros Occidental as well as 120 students and graduates from Negros Oriental State University (NORSU).
Negros Occidental 6th District Rep. Mercedes Alvarez, who witnessed the final payout to the recipients in CPSU recently, lauded the program that provides Negrense youth opportunities to succeed.
“This program gives temporary employment and much‑needed financial support to economically disadvantaged students and graduates in exchange for their services to government offices and partner institutions,” Alvarez said in a statement on Thursday.
One of the beneficiaries is Francis An Marie de los Reyes, a daughter of a farmer and laborer, and an English Language student at the CPSU main campus in Kabankalan City.
“Despite being a student at a state university, financial challenges have always been part of my journey. The KALAHI-CIDSS cash-for-work program became a great help by allowing me to cover my boarding house expenses, school essentials, and daily meals while teaching me the value of hard work,” she said.
De los Reyes said she is thankful for the opportunity to become a beneficiary and hopes that other students in need can also benefit from the program
Student beneficiaries rendered 50 days of work while graduate beneficiaries reported for 25 days of employment. They each received a total of PHP13,500 in financial assistance.
The cash-for-work program for students in state universities and colleges aims to create meaningful opportunities for them, providing both financial assistance and short-term employment as they engage in productive activities that contribute to their respective institutions and communities. (PNA)
