AICS program
SO this is how to address the mushrooming number of Filipinos in crisis situations not only in the heavily-populated metropolis but also throughout the Philippines.
Thus, the national government, through the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), ought to revitalize one of its “highly-successful programs.”
And that’s what the DSWD, headed by Secretary Rex Gatchalian, is doing to bring the government closer to the people, notably the growing army of the poorest of the poor.
From January to September 2023, nearly 3.8 million people received various types of aid from the DSWD through its Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situation (AICS) program.
DSWD Assistant Secretary and Spokesperson Romel Lopez said the AICS recipients received educational, medical, transportation, burial and food assistance.
Actually, the recipients numbered 3,799, 979, according to the DSWD spokesman. Likewise, the DSWD handed out hot meals and family food packs (FFPs).
In the eyes of even critics of the government, the multi-pronged DSWD program has been “a lifeline for millions of Filipinos” across this poverty-stricken nation.
“Talagang napakalaking bagay ang AICS program sa mga kababayan natin na nangangailan ng iba-ibang klaseng tulong mula sa mga ahensya ng gobyerno,” a social worker said.
In his first state-of-the-nation address (SONA) in July 2022, President Marcos ordered the streamlining of procedures in the implementation of state assistance programs.
As expected, the streamlined procedures resulted in the increase in the number of AICS beneficiaries.
Indeed, the Marcos administration’s various assistance programs, financial and material, continue to bring the government closer and closer to the Filipino people.
