GOV'T ASSISTANCE. A Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) personnel assists on Thursday (June 22, 2023) a beneficiary of its Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situation (AICS) program in Tabaco City. Some PHP16 million worth of cash assistance was released during the separate payout activities in Albay with beneficiaries receiving PHP5,000 each. (Photo courtesy of DSWD)
LEGAZPI CITY – Some 3,273 families from the six local government units (LGUs) in Albay affected by Mayon Volcano's unrest have received cash aid through the Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situation (AICS) in separate payout activities.
The AICS distribution on Thursday was facilitated by the Department of Social Welfare and Development in Bicol (DSWD-5) in the towns of Malilipot, Camalig, Daraga, Guinobatan and the cities of Ligao and Tabaco.
In an interview on Friday, Mary Gizelle Mesa, DSWD-Bicol spokesperson, said some PHP16 million was released during the payout activities with beneficiaries receiving PHP5,000 each.
Mesa said the AICS program together with the Disaster Response Management Division (DRMD) responds to the needs of the people affected by the disaster.
"DSWD's objective in providing financial assistance to displaced people is to meet other needs of families, especially during the time they are temporarily living in evacuation centers. The AICS payout will help the beneficiaries from their financial burdens by providing them the needed assistance during these difficult times," she said.
She added that for the town of Sto. Domingo, the payment will be next week.
DSWD-Bicol recorded more than PHP44 million worth of assistance given to the Mayon-affected families sheltered in different evacuation centers in Albay.
The provisions include family food packs, hygiene kits, sleeping kits, "malong", tents and laminated sacks.
Also part of DSWD interventions were 6,435 containers of 6-liter distilled water.
DSWD-Bicol also prepositioned goods ready for distribution in case it is needed. (PNA)
