PRRD proposes P3-B scholarship fund for children of OFWs

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MANILA – President Rodrigo Duterte has stated that he intends to increase the scholarship fund for children of Covid-19-affected overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) to PHP3 billion.

This comes after Labor Secretary Silvestre Bello III acknowledged that the present PHP1 billion school subsidy was “inadequate” to assist all children of displaced OFWs.

“Kung talagang tutulong lang naman tayo, todohin na natin (If we’re going to help, let’s go all out). If I will give you mga (about) PHP3 billion, would you think that it would make a difference in the number of students of OFWs now enrolled in schools?” Duterte asked Bello in his prerecorded meeting with Cabinet officials in Davao City on Monday night.

In response, Bello stated that the PHP3 billion scholarship fund will be of “great assistance” to college-level children of displaced OFWs.

Duterte then asked Executive Secretary Salvador if the funds needed for the education subsidy could be released.

The executive department will deliberate the matter with the Department of Budget and Management, according to Medialdea.

If more funds are required, Duterte has stated that he will find means to obtain them.

“Kung kulang (If it’s lacking), then we will increase the amount in time. Over time we will see how it develops. We have to get the results also,” he said.

He stated that he aimed to alleviate the burden that OFWs endure.

“I will try to go as far as PHP3 billion in the — in God willing another time so that we can make an impact on the –– ‘yung hardships of the OFW,” he said.

Duterte also asked Bello to ensure that only students with a strong desire to complete their studies would benefit from the education subsidy.

“Only those that are studying na may puso mag-aral. Iyong mga ayaw mag-aral, tapos sige lang kayo enroll nang enroll, ay imo-monitor ko kayo (who have the heart to study. Those who don’t want to study but keep enrolling, you will be monitored),” he added.

Under the PHP1 billion scholarship fund, the government was able to assist 19,325 college-level children of OFWs displaced by the pandemic, according to Bello.

The program, known as “Tabang OFW,” permits one college-level dependent of a repatriated, displaced, or deceased OFW to a one-time financial assistance of PHP30,000 to supplement their education expenses.

House committees to hold hearings during break

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Spread the loveMANILA – The House of Representatives has authorized for its committees to conduct hearings during the five-week congressional break, extending until late April.

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