Over 1 million residents in Western Visayas availed of around PHP4.98 billion in government aid intended for those in crisis situations, or affected by the rising inflation.
In a news forum Friday, Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) crisis intervention section head Wesley Angelo Barayuga said that from January 1 to present, they have served 664,998 individuals or 187.02 percent of the 335,568 target for the assistance to individuals in crisis situation (AICS), while 500,679 or 232 percent of the 214,933 target were served for the Ayuda sa Kapos ang Kita Program (AKAP).
“AICS serves as a stop-gap measure to support the recovery of individuals and families suffering from unexpected life events or crises,” she said.
DSWD data also showed that the government has disbursed over PHP2.98 billion through AICS as of Nov. 20, with food assistance getting the biggest chunk at PHP1.8 billion.
Medical assistance was PHP579.13 million; funeral aid, PHP286.54 million; education, PHP188.4 million; cash relief, PHP102.89 million; and transportation, with PHP57,000.
The department also disbursed over PHP132.79 million for the AICS provided through the nine Malasakit Centers in the region.
DSWD OIC Regional Director Joselito Estember, meanwhile, clarified that the proposed temporary stoppage of the off-site payout for AICS is only in Iloilo City because of the issue on alleged cuts in the AICS distribution.
“When we talk about the process, it is a regular program. We have a strict process for conducting validation. DSWD leads during the off-site payout to verify and validate our beneficiaries,” he said.
However, he said what happens after the payout is beyond their control.
Estember also mentioned that walk-in applicants are welcome at their satellite and extension offices.
“AICS is situational-based. It is not a regular program with regular allocation. Our context is on their needs,” he said.
On the other hand, DSWD has released over PHP2 billion for the AKAP as of Nov. 20, covering assistance for cash relief, food, funeral, and medical.
It has also disbursed over PHP70 million through Malasakit Centers. (PNA)