ILOILO City – The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) in Western Visayas has denied rumors that medical and burial assistance under its Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situation (AICS) program has been halted due to budget constraints.
Assistant Regional Director for Operations Katherine Joy Lamprea clarified that the program remains fully operational and continues to serve eligible clients across Western Visayas.
“We want to make it clear that DSWD Region 6 has not stopped providing medical and burial assistance. This is false information. The program is ongoing, as long as the beneficiaries meet the eligibility requirements,” Lamprea said in a statement.
The clarification came after reports surfaced alleging the agency had run out of funds for the AICS program.
Lamprea emphasized that the financial aid given to clients is based on a thorough assessment by the agency’s social workers and strictly follows DSWD’s established guidelines and procedures.
“Once again, we urge the public not to immediately believe unverified information. For accurate details and official updates, please follow the official Facebook pages of DSWD and DSWD Western Visayas. Engage only with our authorized social workers and personnel,” she added.
The AICS program is a government initiative providing immediate financial, emotional, and psychosocial support to individuals and families facing crises. Assistance may come in the form of food, transportation, medical, educational, or burial support.
From January to November 2024, DSWD-6 has assisted 312,421 clients under the AICS program, disbursing a total of P1.263 billion in aid.
DSWD-6 reiterated its continued commitment to serve those in genuine need, in line with its mission that “every life matters.”
Applicants for medical and burial assistance may proceed to the second floor of GT Mall in Molo district, Iloilo City, from Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Required documents include medical records and abstracts, final billing, and a certificate of indigency from the barangay./PN
