AFTER 16 years of the tragic bombing of the Davao Old Airport and Sasa Wharf bombing, the Davao City government has alloted almost P6 million educational assistance to the family of the victims.
The Davao Airport blast on March 3, 2003, killed 21 civilians while 145 were injured while the Sasa Wharf bombing in April 2003 left 16 people dead including four policemen and a nun and hurt 46.
On Tuesday, April 2, a simple commemoration ceremony was organized to commemorate the tragic incident at the Sasa Wharf.
City Social Services and Development Office (CSSDO) head Maria Luisa Bermudo said that the city government is continuously assisting the victim's family, whether killed or had only been injured.
According to the data given by CSSDO, the city spent a total of P5,629,000 for the 548 scholars who were already enrolled in various colleges and universities in the city.
As of 2018, the assistance already produced 31 graduates who have been working in various professions.
The program has a total number of 223 dependents from 73 families.
Bermudo said that one beneficiary, who graduated last year and is currently a registered social worker, already applied to the CSSDO.
"Until now, we continue to help the children of the victims, that they would be able to finish their studies, until college," Bermudo said.
She also said that majority of the families had cope with the incident, although they continue to mourn the loss of their loved ones.
She said that the incident would serve as a reminder to all Dabawenyos to be vigilant at all times.