THE Dagupan City government offered to hold the distribution of the educational assistance program of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) in a bigger venue but only for students residing in the city.

Mayor Belen Fernandez discussed her offer with DSWD officials of the satellite office and City Schools Superintendent Aguedo Fernandez after he witnessed the mob-like turnout  along the A.B. Fernandez Avenue on August 20 where the DSWD satellite office is located.

“We talked to the officials of the satellite office and offered them a bigger space for their payout because the long queue not only distracted traffic but the people waiting their share were violating social distancing protocol,” Fernandez said.

She was surprised to hear that those who came to claim their share of the educational assistance were not only students and parents from Dagupan City but also from other parts of Pangasinan.

Fernandez said only a bigger venue will ensure order in the area and prevent creating a gridlock in the city’s busy streets.

“The long queue is proof that many of our countrymen are poor and will have to depend on the help from the government. That is why, I want them to have a bigger, safer and more comfortable place to wait for their assistance.” Fernandez said.

On August 24, four days later, Secretary Erwin Tulfo, signed a memorandum of agreement with Interior and Local Government Secretary Benhur Abalos to ensure the help of LGUs in the payout of the educational assistance.

Among the venues being offered by the city government are the city plaza, the city astrodome, and the civic center at the West Central Elementary School (offered by the city schools superintendent). (Leonardo Micua)

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