Over 400 solo parents in Albay get cash aid for college education

By Sally Atento-Altea

LEGAZPI CITY --- A total of 438 solo parents in Albay are receiving cash assistance to help support their children’s college education, funded by revenues generated from quarry operations in the province.

Rowena Ondiz, the officer-in-charge of the Albay Provincial Education Department, stated that the provincial government has allocated an initial budget of P2 million for the “Graba sa Pag-eskwela” scholarship program.

This initiative is intended for solo parents with children enrolled in college, recognizing the unique challenges they face as marginalized members of the community.

“Solo parents encounter difficulties in supporting their children’s education because they shoulder all responsibilities on their own,” Ondiz said.

Under the program, each of the 438 targeted beneficiaries is set to receive P4,000.

So far, a total of P1.75 million has been distributed to the cities and municipalities in Albay’s second and third districts.

Marissa Siapno, a solo parent from Barangay Binogsacan in Guinobatan, praised the scholarship program.

“This assistance will help me buy school supplies and pay part of my child’s school fees,” she said.

Student beneficiary Lyren Laguilles from Libon Community College expressed a similar sentiment.

“There are many students like me who need government support. This cash aid is a significant help as our lives become tougher,” she said.

Local government units in Albay’s first district received the first batch of assistance earlier this year, with additional funding provided by the Department of Social Welfare and Development. (Raiza Lucido contributed to this report/PIA5/Albay)

Photo: (Photo from Albay Provincial Information Office)