BUTUAN CITY -- The Department of Budget and Management (DBM) released a total of P47.54 billion for the implementation of the Protective Services of Individuals and Families in Difficult Circumstances (PSIFDC) program in 2023.
 
Under the leadership of DBM Secretary Mina F. Pangandaman, this substantial funding aimed at providing crucial support to the implementation of the PSIFDC program, which encompasses a range of services intended to alleviate the burdens faced by individuals and families in crisis.
 
“In times of crisis, our duty as public servants is to extend a helping hand to those who need it most. Marami po sa ating mga kababayan ang umaasa sa tulong na ibinibigay ng programa kaya sinisiguro po natin na patuloy itong aagapay sa mga kababayan nating nangangailangan,” according to Secretary Pangandaman.
 
The PSIFDC program includes Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situation (AICS), one of the key social welfare programs of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) which provides medical, funeral, educational, transportation, food, and cash assistance.
 
The primary goal of the AICS program is to assist Filipinos who find themselves in dire circumstances whether due to illness, loss, or other challenges.

DBM commits to sustain social assistance funding for 2024
 
Meanwhile, for this year, a total of P34.27 billion has been allocated for the same purpose under the 2024 General Appropriations Act (GAA).
 
The said amount targets to benefit some 3,876,673 beneficiaries nationwide.
 
According to the budget secretary, sustaining social assistance is aligned with the President's vision of a Bagong Pilipinas, where government excels in responding to the needs of the people, and in assisting them during difficult times so they may rise above their present situation to build better lives.

“As mandated by our President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., we will remain committed to uplifting the lives of our kababayans, especially the most vulnerable, through supporting targeted social assistance programs. Sa Bagong Pilipinas, sama-sama po tayo, walang maiiwan. As public servants, we need to be there for the Filipino people, especially at times when they need us the most,” Pangandaman said. (DBM/PIA-CARAGA)