SANTA MARCELA, Apayao – The Department of Social Welfare and Development–Social Welfare and Development (DSWD-SWAD) Apayao team continued its rollout of the Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situations (AICS) program, reaching 255 beneficiaries in Santa Marcela on April 25, 2025.
Each beneficiary, composed mostly of senior citizens, persons with disabilities (PWDs), and solo parents, received ₱5,000 in financial assistance to help cover immediate daily needs and ease financial burdens.
Several beneficiaries shared their gratitude during the payout. Juanita Sumera Conte, 63, a senior citizen, said, “Agyamannak iti adu nga bendisyon nga ipaay ti gobyerno. Adu dagitoy nga kasapulan mi a marikna a napatag.”
For Robert Serelo, 43, a PWD, the aid meant more than just financial relief. “Dakkel a tulong kanyak, aglalo ta bassit ti kita ko. Makatulong daytoy para iti kasapulan iti balay ken dadduma pay a kasapulan,” he said.
Meanwhile, Marilyn Foronda, a 56-year-old solo parent, shared, “Pagyamanak unay ta adda ti mausar mi iti panggastos kadagiti annak ko nga agbasbasa iti kolehiyo ken high school.”
The DSWD-SWAD team announced that the next leg of the AICS payout will take place on April 28, 29, and 30 across Upper Apayao municipalities. By Krizza Castillo
