CASH AID. The distribution of cash grant to individuals in crisis situation in Taft, Eastern Samar in this May 3, 2023 photo. The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) in Eastern Visayas has already distributed PHP469.74 million cash as assistance to individuals in need from January to June this year. (Photo courtesy of DSWD)
TACLOBAN CITY – The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) in Eastern Visayas has already distributed PHP469.74 million in cash assistance to individuals in crisis situation (AICS) from January to June this year.
In its report shared with the Philippine News Agency (PNA) on Thursday, the DSWD regional office here said most of the cash aid was intended for medical needs at PHP272.16 million, followed by other cash assistance at PHP120.07 million.
The government also released PHP64.91 million in assistance for burial, PHP5.76 million for food subsidy, PHP5.41 million for education and PHP1.4 million for transportation.
At least 72,789 persons have received cash aid from DSWD ranging from PHP2,000 to PHP3,000 each.
Among the recipients were tricycle drivers, students, volunteer health workers, farmers, fishermen, laborers, solo parents, among others.
DSWD regional information officer Jonalyndie Chua said their office has required beneficiaries to submit documentary requirements and undergo an assessment of social workers.
AICS is a social safety net or a stop-gap mechanism to support the recovery of individuals and families from unexpected crises such as illness or death of a family member, and other crises.
The program accepts target clientele categorized as either walk-in, rescued or referred clients such as individuals and families with no adequate means to provide for medical, transportation, burial and other immediate needs, abandoned, abused and exploited adults and children.
Meanwhile, Chua admitted in a press briefing that there were senators present in the distribution of AICS in the region, but it was not the DSWD who invited them.
“The local government units have been asking us to augment their resources as our partners. During the distribution, they can invite whoever they want to invite,” she added. (PNA)
