ZAMBOANGA CITY — Congressman Jerry Perez of the second district of Zamboanga City has advised beneficiaries of educational assistance to spend the money wisely as they pursue their education. The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), facilitated by Perez's office, released approximately P4.1 million worth of educational aid to indigent students on Saturday, June 6, 2026.
Call for Wise Spending
“Spend wisely, use the financial assistance to buy your uniforms, school supplies and other needs in school,” Perez told the student-beneficiaries gathered at Mayor Vitaliano Agan Coliseum in Tetuan village, Zamboanga City.
A total of 1,370 beneficiaries from 57 villages — 53 from the second district and four from the first district — received P3,000 each in educational assistance.
Beneficiaries Share Their Stories
Abaraham Palay, 35, one of the beneficiaries, said the aid is a big help, especially for him as an orphan. Palay is pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education (BSEEd) at the Zamboanga Peninsula Polytechnic State University (ZPPSU) extension campus in Vitali village, 73 kilometers east of Zamboanga City Hall. He is one of nine qualified student-beneficiaries from Calabasa village, 54 kilometers east of the city hall.
Hazmine Cegales Centi, 24, another beneficiary, said she will use the assistance for her review in preparation for the board examination for teachers. Centi graduated with a BSEEd degree on May 20 at the main campus of ZPPSU along R.T. Lim Boulevard in Baliwasan village, Zamboanga City.
Future Plans for Assistance
Perez disclosed that he is currently sourcing funds to provide similar assistance to indigent students who will form the second batch of beneficiaries. To qualify, students must apply through an online link provided by the DSWD.
