House Speaker Martin Romualdez during the Bagong Pilipinas Serbisyo Fair (BPSF) Agency Summit on Monday, Aug. 19 (Speaker’s Office)

House Speaker Martin Romualdez trumpeted on Friday, Aug. 30 the launch of new social amelioration program geared toward cushioning the financial blow on parents of senior high school students. 

In a span of just two days, a total of P5.28 billion in financial aid or "ayuda" are expected to be granted to 1.32 million such parents during distribution rites held all over the country under the Tulong Eskwela Program (School Assistance Program). 

Romualdez, the brains behind the Tulong Eskwela Program, said the endeavor is in line with the President Marcos' directive during his third State of the Nation Address (SONA) last July to work toward educational reform. 

"Ang ating senior high education system ay malaking bahagi ng repormang ating ipinapatupad sa sektor ng edukasyon,” said Romualdez, Leyte's 1st district representative. 

“Kadalasan ay kinakapos ang mga magulang sa pagtustos sa pagtatapos ng kanilang mga anak sa senior high school. At kapag hindi nagtapos, mahirap makakuha ng trabaho at mahirap magkaroon ng kontribusyon sa ating mga komunidad,” the leader of the 300-plus strong House of Representatives said. 

(Parents oftentimes face financial difficulties in seeing their children through senior high school. And if they fail to graduate, they will find it hard to find a job and in turn can't contribute to society.) 

“This initiative is designed to alleviate the financial burdens that often hinder our senior high school students from realizing their full potential. By providing critical financial assistance to families across the nation, we are ensuring that education remains a reachable goal for every Filipino child, regardless of their economic background,” he explained. 

The program was launched Friday in 220 areas in different provinces, with each area of implementation having a total of 3,000 parent-beneficiaries. They received financial assistance under the Ayuda para sa Kapos Ang Kita Program (AKAP) of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD). 

Another 3,000 received employment assistance under the Tulong Panghanapbuhay Sa Ating Disadvantaged/Displaced Workers (TUPAD) of the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE). 

“The integration of AKAP and TUPAD within the Tulong Eskwela Program not only provides immediate relief but also employment opportunities for the families of our students. This dual approach ensures that we are addressing both the short-term and long-term needs of our communities,” Romualdez noted. 

All in all, some 660,000 parents will be receiving P3,000 each from AKAP in cash aid and another 660,000 will receive P5,000 in employment assistance, for a total of P5.28 billion in financial aid to P1.32 million beneficiaries in simultaneous distribution ceremonies happening from Aug. 30 to 31. 

The House leader said the Tulong Eskwela Program not only provides monetary aid but also fosters an environment of encouragement and support by investing in Filipino students on the cusp of achieving their dreams. 

“Education is the cornerstone of progress, and it is through education that we can empower the next generation to lead our nation to greater heights. By enabling the youth to continue their education, we are investing in the development of a skilled, knowledgeable and potent workforce,” Romualdez said.