DSWD inks pact with Misamis Oriental to expand assistance during crisis

DSWD Sec. Rex Gatchalian at the “Kapihan sa Manila Bay” in this June 7, 2023 file photo | INQUIRER.net file photo / RYAN LEAGOGO

MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) on Wednesday signed an agreement with the provincial government of Misamis Oriental to expand the provision of the Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situation (AICS) program in the province.

According to the DSWD, Social Welfare Secretary Rex Gatchalian and Misamis Oriental Governor Peter Unabia signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) in Cagayan de Oro City.

The DSWD said that the MOA signing would strengthen its partnership with the eight public hospitals in the province, wherein the services and benefits of the AICS program will further be expanded.

The eight hospitals, as the department noted in its press statement, are located in the municipalities of Magsaysay, Talisayan, Claveria, Balingasag, Alubijid, Initao, Manticao and Gingoog City.

The DSWD said that under the MOA, financial assistance will be provided to eligible beneficiaries through guarantee letters based on the assessment and recommendation of the the department’s social workers and the local social work and development officers employed by the various local government units.

Meanwhile, the DSWD said Gatchalian also stressed that the MOA will ensure that government funds and assistance given to the clients will be used for what it is intended for.

“In making an organization efficient, we have to close the system loss. Sa department namin, ang system loss ay yung nagbigay tayo ng financial assistance, yung AICS, pero hindi napunta sa purpose nya,” Gatchalian said during the signing.

(In our department, system loss refers to the financial assistance we provided, the AICS, but was not used for its purpose.)

“Ibig sabihin, hindi sa may kumuha, we gave it to the right beneficiary pero the beneficiary did not use it for what it was intended for,” he explained.

(This means that although we gave it to the right beneficiary, the beneficiary did not use it for its intended purpose.)

READ: DSWD hails approval of P3 billion additional funds for AICS

The DSWD said that Gatchalian further pointed out that the agreement with the Misamis Oriental government could be a template for other provinces that likewise prioritize healthcare and want to ensure that the nation’s money is used for medical assistance.

READ: Angara bill seeks to turn DSWD aid program into law

“We are excited to partner with individuals and provinces like yourself who truly want to change the system and change people’s lives,” the secretary said, pertaining to the provincial government.

AICS, according to the DSWD, is a social welfare service of the department that provides medical, burial, transportation, education, food, or financial assistance to people or families to support their needs during crises.