“No parent in his right mind would not like to send their children to school. Every parent’s dream is to see their children go up the stage and receive a diploma more so a degree.”
This is the message of Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO) General Manager Alexander Balutan during the second anniversary of the Philippine Army Officers’ Ladies Club, Inc. (PAOLCI) educational assistance program (PAEAP) in Fort Bonifacio, Metro Manila recently where he was the guest of honor and speaker.
As a former Marine general, Balutan understood the plight of the soldiers who were deployed in the field, sacrificing their lives to protect the country and its countrymen.
Founded in 2016 by Jean Joselyn Maria D. Año, the better-half of Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) Officer-in-Charge who is also a former AFP chief, Gen. Eduardo Año, PAEAP aims to support the qualified dependents of the financially challenged Army’s active commissioned officers and enlisted personnel in pursuing senior high school and college studies.
Last year, PCSO donated ambulances to the Department of Health-run Amai Pakpak Medical Centre (APMC), the only healthy facility inside Marawi City where affected residents of ongoing clashes in the area were treated.
The agency also sent P5 million worth of water and medicines to Marawi City evacuees. It also provided help and rehabilitation to all wounded civilians and soldiers who were affected by the crisis.
Soldiers and their dependents also go to PCSO to seek financial and medical assistance.
To avail of the program, he/she must be unmarried sons and daughters below 21 years old of active Philippine Army (PA) officer or enlisted personnel (EP), unmarried brother or sister below 21 years old for active single PA officer or EP.
“They [parents] must submit NSO birth certificate of the student, NSO Marriage Contract, Form 138 (High School Report Card) – certified true copy by school registrar with no grade lower than 80 percent or its equivalent from Grade 7-10, photocopy of High School diploma (Completion of Grade 10), certificate of good moral character, duly accomplished and signed application form,” explained Maria Dorotea Lorenzo, PAEAP coordinator.
The documentary requirements also include latest 2×2 pictures (not more than six months upon application), summary of information of the soldier-parent, latest statement of assets and liabilities and two-month pay slip, proof of billing (utilities, rent, or telecommunications), latest 2×2 pictures of the applicant and of the sponsoring PA member to be attached on the application forms and other requirements as deemed necessary by PAOLCI.
