DAET, CAMARINES NORTE – In celebration of the National Women’s Month, the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Bicol region took proactive steps to provide support and assistance to women facing crisis situations through its Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situation (AICS) program.

DSWD Bicol extended cash relief assistance to two mothers from Daet, Camarines Norte, who were victims of Violence Against Women and Children (VAWC) and sexual abuse. Each recipient received PHP 5,000 in cash relief assistance, aimed at providing immediate aid and support in their times of need.

Alias “Ayenen,” one of the beneficiaries, expressed her gratitude for the financial assistance, which she plans to utilize to relocate herself and her six children back to Iloilo City to escape the abuse inflicted by her partner. Meanwhile, alias “Mylene” intends to use the financial aid to pursue legal action against her perpetrator by processing her case in the Regional Trial Court.

“Nagpapasalamat po kami sa tulong na naibigay para saaming mag-ina. Pandagdag po ito sa aming expenses namin para maproseso po ang kaso na pinagdaanan ng anak ko at pamilya namin. Sana ay mabigyan karampatang parusa ang nagkasala at sana ay malampasan namin itong pagsubok na ito,” she furiously shared.

(This will help supplement our expenses in processing the case that my child and our family went through. We hope that the perpetrator will be given the appropriate punishment and that we can overcome this trial.)

DSWD’s AICS Program plays a pivotal role in addressing violence against women and children by providing financial assistance and psychosocial support to victims within the comfort and safety of their homes. Beyond monetary aid, the program offers psychosocial debriefing sessions to help survivors process their experiences and empower them to assert their rights against abuse.

As an advocate for gender equality and women’s rights, DSWD remains committed to stopping violence against women and children and providing comprehensive support to survivors. Through initiatives like the AICS Program, the agency aims to create a safe and supportive environment where women can access the assistance and resources they need to overcome crisis situations and rebuild their lives.

During this Women’s Month and beyond, DSWD Bicol reaffirms its dedication to empowering women, protecting their rights, and fostering a society free from gender-based violence and discrimination.#