Ms. Josie Matociños, Social Welfare Officer II, provides cash relief assistance to one shearline-affected fisherfolk from Sta. Elena, Camarines Norte during the weeklong AICS Offsite Serbisyo Payout (February 26-29, 2024).

CAMARINES NORTE – In its commitment to prompt and compassionate service delivery, the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Bicol distributed cash relief assistance to 953 fisherfolk affected by the recent shearline phenomenon in Santa Elena, Camarines Norte.

Following a weeklong Offsite Serbisyo Payout under the Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situations (AICS) Program, the agency disbursed a total of PHP 2,859,000.

Each beneficiary received PHP 3,000 relief aid after their livelihood was affected by adverse weather conditions caused by the shearline disturbance. This assistance aims to support their daily needs while they are unable to fish due to continuous inclement weather in their town.

Mr. Edwin Barizo of Maulawin, Santa Elena, Camarines Norte shared that the assistance given to them by AICS Program is enough to augment through their daily expenses as their livelihood is temporarily put on hold for their safety.

“Sa tagal ko po bilang isang mangingisda, ngayon lang ako napasali sa ganitong programa. Lubos po ang aking pagpapasalamat sa DSWD sa tulong na bigay nila sa amin lalo na po mahigit isang buwan na kaming di makapagpangisda,” he professed.

Beneficiaries were identified by the Municipal Agriculture Office (MAO) and verified by personnel from the Municipal Social Welfare and Development Office (MSWDO) using the DROMIC Report as part of the AICS process.

Based on the DROMIC Report, DSWD Bicol has already distributed a total of 44,803 family food packs (FFPs) amounting to PHP 30,457,652.03 for 45,848 affected families all over the region since the start of its operations last month, January 2024, and a cumulative total to date of 130,808 FFPs and 200 non-food items amounting to Php 92,283,051.19 since the start of November 2023 when the effects of the Shear Line were felt in the region.

The AICS program under the Crisis Intervention Section (CIS) of the agency collaborates with the Disaster Response Management Division (DRMD) in responding to the needs of fellow citizens affected by disasters, especially those belonging to the vulnerable, marginalized, and impoverished sectors of society.

The Department remains dedicated to providing further assistance to economically displaced families after natural disasters, ensuring that they receive support with extra love and care.#