Senator Imee R. Marcos spearheaded the distribution of payout and educational assistance to the students of the Laguna State Polytechnic University (LSPU) for the employment and educational assistance programs of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) and Commission on Higher Education (CHED) at the Multi-Function Hall Gymnasium of LSPU- Sta. Cruz Campus, April 17.

Student-beneficiaries of the Kapit-Bisig Laban sa Kahirapan-Comprehensive and Integrated Delivery of Social Services (KALAHI-CIDSS) Cash for Work program of DSWD and Tulong Dunong program of CHED received their payout and cash assistance in the said event. Specifically, beneficiaries of the employment assistance programs are the graduates of the LSPU-System while beneficiaries of the educational assistance program are students of the LSPU-Los Baños Campus. 

In her message, Sen. Marcos explained that the DSWD program intends to provide alternative employment for new graduates who are still looking for jobs. 

“Kapag hindi pa nakakahanap ng trabaho, [mahalaga ang] temporary employment for our college graduate… kasi ang tanging pangarap natin makapag-graduate, tuluyang makahanap ng trabaho, at talagang makatulong sa ating pamilya,” Sen. Marcos said.

Sen. Marcos also commended the LSPU, calling it a “champion” for having top-notchers in various board exams. 

Meanwhile, Dr. Mario R. Briones, University President, stated that this activity highlighted the government’s continuous support to the youth. He also expressed how grateful and blessed the LSPU students are for being the recipients of these programs.

President Briones also added that these programs help the beneficiaries in boosting their confidence to enter their desired workforce in the future, become individuals who will contribute to our community, and empower one another to build sustainable global progress. 

In addition to the payout, Sen. Marcos and Dr. Briones distributed nutribuns, toys, and soup to the children and everyone present at the event through the Nutri-Jeep. 

A press conference was held with local and mainstream media where the LSPU also had the opportunity to request an additional fund from the Senator for the construction of the building for the College of Nursing and Allied Health (CONAH).   

Also present in the said activity were Dr. Freddie B. Bulauan, Officer-in-charge for the Office of the Regional Director, CHED Regional Office IV; Engr. Manuel Luis R. Alvarez, Campus Director, LSPU-SCC; Dr. Chester Alexis Buama, LSPU Faculty Regent; Ms. Mylah S. Gatchalian, Asst. Regional Director for Operations, DSWD Regional Project Management Office; Mr. Florentino Y. Loyola, Jr., Asst. Secretary for Specialized Programs under DSWD Operations Group; Atty. Karen Agapay, Laguna Vice Governor; Hon. Egay San Luis, Sta. Cruz Municipal Mayor; Hon. Milo San Luis, Board Member, 4th District of Laguna, and LSPU employees from different offices. 
  
The Alumni Affairs and Placement Services (AAPS) worked with the LSPU Administration and other offices for the preparation of the event. 

Dr. Maida O. Sarmiento served as the lady of the ceremony of the activity.

Photo credit: LSPU ICTS, Mr. Kevin Pamatmat

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