BACOLOD City — The city government has expanded its educational support for persons with disabilities (PWDs), their children, and children of solo parents following the approval of a new scholarship ordinance by the Sangguniang Panlungsod (SP) last week.
The SP unanimously approved on third and final reading an ordinance establishing a scholarship program for vulnerable sectors, marking a significant step toward inclusive and equitable access to education in Bacolod.
Authored by Councilor Atty. Caesar Z. Distrito, chairperson of the Committee on PWD Affairs, the ordinance extends scholarship coverage to PWDs, their children, and children of solo parents.
The program aims to provide financial assistance for tuition, books, transportation, and other school-related expenses.
Entitled “The PWD and Children of Solo Parents Scholarship Program Ordinance of Bacolod City,” the measure recognizes the socio-economic barriers that often prevent PWDs and vulnerable families from pursuing quality education.
Distrito said the program seeks to promote inclusion, equal opportunity, and social justice by prioritizing marginalized sectors.
Under the ordinance, qualified applicants include PWDs or their children who have been residents of Bacolod City for at least five years and whose PWD parent is incapable of earning an income. It also covers children of solo parents who meet the same residency requirement and whose parent is unemployed or earning the minimum wage, with an annual income of P180,000 or less.
Applicants must be enrolled in a recognized secondary, tertiary, or technical-vocational institution, maintain a general average of at least 80 percent with no failing grades, and must not be recipients of another full government scholarship.
Applications will be filed with the Public Employment and Services Office (PESO), while screening and evaluation will be conducted by a committee composed of representatives from PESO, the Department of Social Services and Development (DSSD), the City Budget Office, the Persons with Disability Affairs Office (PDAO), and accredited PWD and solo parent organizations.
Distrito said the ordinance underscores the city government’s commitment to inclusive development.
“Education should never be denied because of disability, family circumstance, or lack of financial capacity. This ordinance ensures that PWDs and other vulnerable groups are given a fair chance to pursue their dreams and build a better future,” he said.
Councilor Atty. Dindo Ramos described the scholarship program as a concrete expression of social justice, noting that investing in the education of vulnerable sectors strengthens families and communities.
Councilor Celia Flor added that scholarships represent hope, dignity, and opportunity for Bacolodnon families who previously had limited access to education./PN
