AVOID FIXERS. The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) 11 (Davao region) on Wednesday (Aug. 24, 2022) warned the public to avoid “fixers” who will help them process their Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situations (AICS) educational aid in exchange for a fee. The agency made it clear that the educational assistance is free and does not require a processing fee.
(Visual courtesy of DSWD-11)
DAVAO CITY – The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) 11 (Davao region) has warned the public against “fixers” who would offer to help them process their Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situations (AICS) educational cash aid.
In a Facebook post on Wednesday, DSWD-11 said it has received reports that fixers approach unsuspecting individuals and ask for a processing fee in exchange for the latter’s inclusion in the program.
“Everyone is warned that this method is illegal, and it is never good to deal with such individuals who are monetizing our needs,” it said.
The department also reiterated that the educational assistance is free and does not require a processing fee.
“Avoid making transactions with people who are not employees of our office so as not to be scammed or cheated,” it said.
Meanwhile, at least 3,337 students received cash aid via an educational assistance payout in the region on August 20.
In Davao de Oro, 125 student beneficiaries were served amounting to PHP220,000; Davao del Norte, 54 students (PHP103,000); Davao del Sur, 477 (PHP990,000); Davao Occidental, 605 (PHP1,289,000); Davao Oriental, 323 (PHP803,000); and Davao City, 1,753 (PHP4,708,000).
The DSWD-11 said about PHP8 million was used for the first payout of the program.
“Applications left in office drop boxes are still being assessed. Those who left their documents are requested to wait for a text or call from the agency for the status of your application,” it said.
The assistance forms part of DSWD's AICS, which has been extended to cover students in crises.
The DSWD will continue accepting applications every Saturday until September 27. (PNA)
