The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) has reported that over 6.5 million Filipinos facing “difficult circumstances” received assistance through its Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situation (AICS) program from January to December last year.
In a statement, DSWD Assistant Secretary for Strategic Communications Romel Lopez highlighted that the number of beneficiaries assisted was more than four times the program’s annual target of 1,691,869 beneficiaries.
The Calabarzon region had the most beneficiaries served by the DSWD, with over 870,000 individuals receiving assistance including medical aid, food cash, burial or funeral assistance, transportation support, and psychosocial support. Food assistance was the most sought-after service, followed by psychosocial support and medical aid.
Lopez emphasized that social workers evaluate the needs of each client to provide appropriate assistance. He also noted the Malasakit Center, a one-stop shop located in hospitals nationwide, has served over 314,700 individuals.
The DSWD has pledged to continue implementing comprehensive protective services to reach even more Filipinos in need.
