QUEZON CITY -- The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) expressed its gratitude to President Ferdinand ‘Bongbong’ Marcos, Jr. and to the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) for the approval of the release of the Special Allotment Release Order (SARO) amounting to P2 billion for the Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situation (AICS).

The DSWD said that this additional funding redounds to the benefit of clients, especially that prices of commodities and services continue to increase. It will also help more individuals in crisis in availing of the different packages of services under the AICS.

Meanwhile, the DSWD has issued updated guidelines on the implementation of AICS to ensure the faster and more efficient delivery of assistance.

Through the recently issued Memorandum Circular (MC) No. 15, the DSWD streamlined the implementing procedure and simplified the eligibility forms and documentary requirements and its corresponding approving authorities at the Central Office and Field and Satellite Offices.

AICS is one of the programs and services under the Protective Services Program of the DSWD, which provides financial and material assistance, psychosocial support, and referral services to indigents or in crisis individuals and their families, as assessed by the social workers. (DSWD)