The Department of Social Welfare and Development closed the online applications for educational assistance after registrants reached 2 million.

DSWD Secretary Erwin Tulfo said, that of the P1.5 billion fund being monitored, P600 million to P800 million has been distributed so far.

This is despite two Saturdays are left until 24 September which DSWD earlier announced as the last Saturday of aid distribution.

Last Monday, DSWD Assistant Secretary Romel Lopez indicated that 2 million students have registered online for student aid against the 400,000 actual beneficiaries that the agency targeted.

According to Lopez, within the past 3 Saturdays, educational assistance payout was given to 257,285 beneficiaries nationwide who received a total of P649,888,800.00.

Cash will be exhausted

He added that if there are remaining funds left, the department is willing to extend the payout schedule.

"The educational assistance is still subject to the assessment of our social workers and the availability of funds, and not all who applied will automatically receive assistance," Lopez clarified.

There will be available slots if, for example, there were aid seekers who didn't pass the assessment conducted by social workers.

Lopez added that students who will not be able to reach the cut off were notified to apply for other DSWD programs.

One of the assistance that can be availed is the Assistance for Individuals in Crisis Situation program, this includes transportation assistance and food assistance but a separate application will be needed.