Infographic: Crisis Intervention Section – Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situations Program Physical and Financial Accomplishment as of 7 December 2023.

As the agency strengthens effort in assisting families and individuals facing adversities, the Department of Social Welfare and Development Field Office V (DSWD Bicol) recorded a high number of clients served under the Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situation (AICS) program.

In 2023, DSWD Bicol reported a significant increase in the number of AICS clients served, reaching a record of 278,511 individuals. The total amount paid as of December 7, 2023, amounted to PHP 1,850,833,480.00. This achievement surpasses the average number of clients served from 2020 to 2022, which was only 167,000.

DSWD Regional Director Norman S. Laurio highlighted that the number of clients served in 2023 represents the highest accomplishment in the past three years.

“The Field Office facilitated the request for various types of assistance from individuals who experienced unexpected crises such as illness or death of a family member, natural and man-made disasters, and other emergencies,” RD Laurio pointed out.

Among the forms of assistance being provided by the DSWD under the AICS program apart from the psychosocial intervention is medical assistance, educational support, and cash relief were the most availed forms of aid under the AICS program. A substantial number of clients, meanwhile, requested for funeral assistance, food assistance, and transportation assistance.

RD Laurio attributed the increased number of clients served to the streamlined delivery process implemented in 2022, which reduced documentary requirements and simplified forms for expedited aid release.

Apart from this, AICS program of the agency was brought closer to its clients through establishing satellite offices.

“We have operationalized various satellite offices in strategic areas in the region to strengthen AICS. We have brought the services under AICS closer and more accessible to clients,” RD emphasized.

In 2023, the agency prioritized customer-centric operations, decongesting provincial operations offices in Masbate and Catanduanes to enhance efficiency in responding to clients’ needs.

To date, the field office has already established ten (10) satellite offices in the region.

The DSWD commits to improving the AICS program to help and support individuals and families to immediately recover from unexpected crises.#