The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) here would like to reiterate that the assistance provided by the Department through its Crisis Intervention Section is for individuals and families who are assessed to be indigent and are in crisis situation.
This is to provide clarification on the news circulating in communities that the Department provides assistance as long as they visit the said office.
“We would like to inform the public that the Expanded Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situation or E-AICS, as the name of the service implies, is only for those who are in extreme and emergency need,” OIC- Regional Director Leo L. Quintila said.
The E-AICS is DSWD’s service that provides medical, financial, burial, education, food, and transportation assistance to individuals or families who are in difficult circumstances such as sudden loss of income, accident, natural disasters, among others.
“Our goal in providing the assistance is to alleviate the current situation of our clients who are experiencing difficulties. This should not be a form of dole-out,” Director Quintilla said.
The public is also being reminded that the release of assistance through the E-AICS will be dependent on the existing guidelines and on the assessment of the department’s social workers.
“We would like to appeal to the public to refrain from circulating unverified news. The DSWD’s budget is also limited, thus, we will prioritize clients who are most in need, especially those who are requesting for medical assistance,” CIS Head Judith de Guzman said.
Individuals who are in need of the said assistance may visit the nearest local Social Welfare and Development Office or DSWD Office in their area and bring any valid ID of the client, enrolment assessment form/ certificate of enrolment or registration, validated school ID of the student and statement of account for college students. The social workers may also require barangay certificate of residency or certificate of indigency.
By Nerizza Faye G. Villanueva
