The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) has distributed P649 million in educational cash assistance, the agency’s spokesman said on Monday.

The DSWD is distributing a one-time cash aid to indigent students from elementary college every Saturday from Aug. 20 to Sept. 24.

Romel Lopez, assistant secretary of the DSWD, said the assistance program had benefited 257,285 students to date.

Of the total, 79,000 were elementary students, 56,000 were high school students, 36,000 were senior high school students and 85,000 were colelge and vocational course students, Lopez said.

The assistance program hands P1,000 to elementary students, P2,000 to high school students, P3,000 to senior high school students and P4,000 to students enrolled in college or vocational courses.

Up to three children per family could receive the assistance.

Recipients are encouraged to set an appointment via email or walk-in DSWD offices for the cash aid and bring proof of enrollment and a valid ID. John Ezekiel J. Hirro