(Infographic courtesy of DSWD-Bicol)
LEGAZPI CITY – The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) reported on Thursday that a high number of Bicolano families and individuals facing adversities were served under the Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situation (AICS) program.
Jastine Joy Dichoso Escuro, DSWD-Bicol AICS program focal person, said as of Dec. 7, their office gave a total of PHP1.8 billion worth of assistance to 278,511 individuals.
"With this accomplishment, we have exceeded our average client count between 2020 and 2022, which was 167,000. This serves as a testament to our unwavering commitment to providing exceptional service to our people," she said in an interview.
Escuro said that apart from psychosocial intervention, the forms of assistance being provided by the DSWD under the AICS program are medical, educational and monetary, which were also the most availed forms of aid.
A substantial number of clients, meanwhile, requested funeral, food and transportation assistance.
"The DSWD commits to improving the AICS program to help and support individuals and families to recover from unexpected crises," she added.
In a statement, DSWD Regional Director Norman Laurio said the number of beneficiaries served in 2023 represents the highest accomplishment in the past three years.
“The field office facilitated the request for various types of assistance from individuals who experienced unexpected crises such as illness or death of a family member, natural and man-made disasters, and other emergencies,” Laurio said.
DSWD-Bicol attributed the increased number of beneficiaries served to the streamlined delivery process which reduced documentary requirements and simplified forms for expedited aid release.
“We have operationalized various satellite offices in strategic areas in the region to strengthen AICS. We have brought the services under AICS closer and more accessible to clients,” he added.
DSWD-Bicol has established 10 satellite offices in six provinces in the region. (PNA)
