TUBOD, Lanao del Norte (PIA)--The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) 10 stepped-up its efforts to provide assistance to individuals and families in crisis situations, including those affected by the pandemic.

The agency's Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situations (AICS) program has distributed much-needed P3,000 cash assistance each to over 3,000 beneficiaries in the towns of Tubod and Lala in Lanao del Norte and Iligan City.

According to DSWD-10 Social Welfare and Development Office Team Leader Raiz A. Ampaso, the AICS program is a regular initiative that aims to respond to the needs of the most vulnerable sectors of society.

"Kini nga program, regular ni siya programa sa DSWD, isip pag respond didto sa mga panginahanglan sa atoang mga beneficiaries, labi na karon kay wala pa gani kaayo ta naka recover sa pandemic, and then medyo nagtaas-taas napud ang atong presyo sa basic commodities," he said.

(This program is a regular program of the DSWD as a response to the needs of our beneficiaries, especially now because we have not yet recovered from the pandemic, and the price of basic commodities has increased)

The  cash assistance program has been a lifeline for many families in the area, including tricycle driver Predelito Labuana Alforque, who expressed gratitude for the help he received.

"Ipalit ug tambal. Makatabang lang gihapon na sa amoa, kay ang uban pud ipalit namo ug bugas kay hinay man ang among pamasahero karon gumikan sa krisis. Nagpasalamat pud ko nga natagaan pud ko ug gamay nga ayuda. Kinahanglan man gyod pud nga matagaan mi kay dili man pud mi maka-bangon kay gagmay ra among kita," he said.

(I will use this to buy medicine. It will help us because we can buy rice since our livelihood has been affected by the crisis. We need this assistance because we can't recover  with our small income)

Meanwhile, Romeo Pepito, who uses a wheelchair for mobility, couldn't contain his joy as he received his financial assistance. With the allowance, he can now purchase his basic necessities and attend to his daily needs with ease.

Moreover, Mary Jane Econar, a recipient with a hearing impairment, who is assisted by her sister, is thankful for the assistance.

The beneficiaries were selected based on screening and assessment by local government units. DSWD remains committed to providing immediate assistance to those in need, subject to the availability of funds.

The AICS program is a testament to the agency's unwavering commitment to serving the needs of the most vulnerable communities amidst crises and disasters. With its ongoing efforts to extend financial assistance to those in need, the DSWD-10 is helping to rebuild and strengthen communities in the province. (JBM/PIA-10/Lanao del Norte)