Bacolod City Council Approves Landmark Scholarship Program for PWDs and Solo Parents' Children
Bacolod Approves Scholarship for PWDs, Solo Parents' Kids

Bacolod City Council Approves Landmark Scholarship Program for PWDs and Solo Parents' Children

The Bacolod City Council has given its final approval to a groundbreaking ordinance that establishes a comprehensive scholarship program specifically designed for persons with disabilities (PWDs), their children, and children of solo parents residing in the city. This significant legislative measure, approved on third and final reading, represents a major step toward educational equity and social inclusion in the local community.

Authors and Purpose of the Ordinance

The ordinance was primarily authored by Councilor Caesar Distrito, who serves as chairperson of the City Council committee on PWD affairs. He was joined by co-authors Councilors Celia Flor, Dindo Ramos, and Israel Salanga in crafting this important legislation. According to Distrito, the primary objective of the ordinance is to expand access to quality education by providing substantial financial assistance for various educational expenses to qualified beneficiaries.

Officially entitled "The PWD & Children of Solo Parents Scholarship Program Ordinance of Bacolod City," this measure specifically addresses the persistent socio-economic barriers that often limit educational opportunities for PWDs and children of solo parents. Distrito emphasized that the program aims to promote inclusion, equal opportunity, and social justice through a local scholarship initiative that prioritizes the city's most vulnerable sectors.

Eligibility Requirements and Qualifications

The ordinance establishes clear eligibility criteria for potential scholarship recipients:

  • Qualified applicants must be PWDs or their children who are bona fide residents of Bacolod City for at least five years, with the PWD parent being incapable of earning an income or having no means of financial support
  • Children of solo parents who are bona fide residents of Bacolod City for at least five years, with the solo parent being either unemployed or a minimum wage earner with an annual income of P180,000 or less

Additional requirements for all applicants include:

  1. Enrollment in a duly recognized secondary, tertiary, or vocational/technical institution
  2. A general academic average of at least 80 percent with no failing grades in the previous semester
  3. Not being current recipients of another full government scholarship grant

Application Process and Implementation

Applications for the scholarship program will be submitted to the Public Employment and Services Office (PESO) during designated application periods. A comprehensive screening and evaluation process will be conducted by a special committee composed of representatives from multiple city offices and organizations:

  • Public Employment and Services Office (PESO)
  • Department of Social Services and Development (DSSD)
  • City Budget Office
  • Persons with Disability Affairs Office (PDAO)
  • Recognized PWD and solo parent organizations

Significance and Social Impact

Following the final approval of the ordinance, Councilor Distrito underscored its profound significance for the community. "Education should never be denied because of disability, family circumstance, or lack of financial capacity," he stated. "This ordinance affirms the City Government's commitment to inclusivity by ensuring that PWDs, their children, and children of solo parents are given a fair chance to pursue their dreams and build a better future."

Councilors Ramos and Flor highlighted the broader social impact of the program, describing it as "a concrete expression of social justice." They emphasized that "by investing in the education of our most vulnerable sectors, we are strengthening families and empowering future contributors to our community." The councilors further noted that "a scholarship is not just financial assistance; it is hope, dignity, and opportunity. This measure will create lasting positive change by opening doors that were once beyond reach for many Bacolodnon families."

Next Steps and Implementation Timeline

With the approval on third and final reading now complete, the ordinance will be forwarded to Mayor Greg Gasataya for his signature and final approval. Once signed into law, the scholarship program will become operational, providing much-needed educational support to qualified beneficiaries throughout Bacolod City. This initiative represents a significant investment in human capital and social development for the local community.