COTABATO CITY – The Department of Social Welfare and Development in Central Mindanao reported at least 467 students covered by the government’s anti-poverty program have finished their high school studies with honors and several awards.

Bai Zorahayda T. Taha, DSWD-12 regional director, said Monday of the total number of graduates, 60 of them valedictorians while 47 salutatorians.

Taha said all the students were covered by the state’s Conditional Cash Transfer Program.

“Indeed the program is working. We thank our partner agencies for helping these students,” Taha said.

Juliet Clavel, CCT regional coordinator, said the figures from the region forms part of the first batch total 13, 469 HS graduates with honors and awards nationwide under the program this year.

Under its conditions, the CCT allocates grants P500 to P1, 400 for each beneficiary households, depending on the number of eligible children. Each family is allowed a maximum of three children to receive the monthly benefits.

It calls children aged 3 to 18 to stay in school and maintain class attendance of at least 85 percent each month. Pregnant women are also required to avail pre- and post-natal care, and delivery must be assisted by skilled health personnel, while parents are mandatory to take “family development sessions” to enable them to become better parents. (End)