THE HOUSE Committee on Social Services has approved a resolution that seeks to allocate P5.3 billion in additional funding for the educational assistance program of the Department of Social Welfare and Development.

The committee headed by Nueva Ecija 3rd District Rep. Rosanna Vergara agreed to endorse for plenary discussions House Joint Resolution No. 1 authored by Kabataan Party-list Rep. Raoul Danniel Manuel, Gabriela Party-list Rep. Arlene Brosas and ACT Teachers Party-list Rep. France Castro.

The resolution mandates the provision of additional funds for the DSWD’s Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situations or AICS Program.

Budget and Management Undersecretary Wilford Will Wong said that the additional funding will ensure that students returning to class will be able to avail of the program.

The lawmakers earlier stressed the need to allot additional funding to the education sector to ensure safe face-to-face classes.