To identify issues and elicit recommendations from students on the implementation of Students Grants – in – Aide Program for Poverty Alleviation (SGPPA), DSWD – Field Office 1 recently initiated the Consultation Dialogue to Children Enrolled under the SGPPA in the four provinces of the region.

This is to provide necessary attention to the welfare of 143 identified beneficiary – scholars who are currently enrolled in the two Commission on Higher Education (CHEd) identified State Universities and Colleges (SUCs) namely Don Mariano Marcos Memorial State University (DMMMSU) in La Union and Mariano Marcos State University (MMSU) in Ilocos Norte.

Various issues on dropped outs, the selection process and compliance to satisfactory grades were raised. For dropped outs, Provincial Links will be visiting these students and convince them to return in school. However, they will be asked to sign a waiver if they decline the opportunity. This is to allow others to benefit from the said opportunity.

For the selection of replacements to these dropped outs,  the students recommended 1.) those who are really willing to study and are currently enrolled to avoid drop outs; 2.) those upcoming graduates with good academic performance; and, 3.) those who were previously assessed and endorsed but not selected by the SGPPA National Steering Committee (SGPPA – NSA).

The students also suggested that the remaining stipend alloted for their tuition will be used for either summer classes, travel allowance or use for other fees in the campus.

These suggestions will be presented to the Regional Oversight Committee (ROC) for discussion and approval.

The DSWD reminded the students, as scholars, to achieve satisfactory grades in order to continue with the program.

SGPPA is a program, in partnership with CHED and Department of Labor and Employment (DoLE), that provides scholarship assistance to Pantawid Pamilya beneficiaries.

by: Allan O. Lulu / Information Officer II, Pantawid Pamilya