KIDAPAWAN — The local government unit (LGU) of Kidapawan has introduced a PHP19.2 million subsidy program benefitting approximately 42,000 public school students and persons with disabilities (PWDs). This initiative, known as the "Back-to-School Student Subsidy," rolled out on Thursday, aims to support educational expenses such as materials and uniforms.
According to Philippines News Agency, the subsidy is designed to ensure that all learners have access to free and quality basic education. The funds, drawn from the LGU's Special Education Fund, will allocate PHP400 to each student and PHP1,000 to each enrolled PWD from primary to secondary school levels. "The grants will be handed to the students personally," stated Evangelista in an interview, emphasizing the direct approach in distributing the funds with no formal ceremonies involved.
The City Treasurer's Office is responsible for the direct and on-site cash distribution. Furthermore, Evangelista revealed plans to increase the subsidy in the 2025-2026 school year to PHP500 per student and PHP1,500 per PWD. He also affirmed a commitment to enhance the partnership with the Department of Education City Schools Division to further quality education initiatives.
The subsidy program, which has been in place since 2019, also upholds a "no collection" policy in all public primary and secondary schools, as mandated by Ordinance No. 19-034, ensuring financial support is provided directly to the Parents-Teachers Association in Kidapawan City.