By CESAR JOLITO III
The Bacolod Sangguniang Panlungsod has unanimously approved on third and final reading an ordinance institutionalizing a scholarship program for persons with disabilities (PWDs), their children, and children of solo parents, marking a significant step toward expanding access to education for the city’s most vulnerable sectors.
The measure establishes a locally funded scholarship that will provide financial assistance for tuition, books, transportation, and other essential school-related expenses.
The council said the legislation addresses long-standing socioeconomic challenges that hinder educational attainment among PWDs and families headed by solo parents.
City legislators said the program is designed to promote inclusion, equal opportunity and social justice by prioritizing students with limited financial means.
Under the ordinance, eligible beneficiaries include PWDs or their children who have been bona fide residents of Bacolod City for at least five years, particularly in cases where the PWD parent is unable to work or has no means of livelihood.
Children of solo parents may also qualify if they meet the same residency requirement and if the solo parent is unemployed or earns a minimum wage with an annual income not exceeding P180,000.
Applicants must be enrolled in a recognized secondary, tertiary or vocational/technical institution, maintain a general average of at least 80 percent with no failing grades in the previous semester, and must not be recipients of another full government scholarship.
Applications will be accepted by the Public Employment and Services Office (PESO) during the designated application period.
A multi-sectoral committee composed of representatives from PESO, the Department of Social Services and Development, the City Budget Office, the Persons with Disability Affairs Office, and accredited PWD and solo parent organizations will oversee the screening and evaluation process.
Following its approval, the ordinance will be transmitted to Mayor Greg Gasataya for signature and implementation.
Once enacted, the program is expected to benefit qualified students beginning the next academic cycle./CJ, WDJ