The Department of Budget and Management (DBM) approved the release of additional funding for the Department of Social Welfare and Development’s (DSWD) financial assistance to individuals and families in “crisis situation.”
In a statement on Tuesday, Aug. 9, Budget Secretary Amenah F. Pangandaman said the DBM approved the release of a P2-billion special allotment release order (SARO) to DSWD to assist people in difficult circumstances, including those in crisis situations.
“Public funds should benefit the people who are in difficult circumstances. The release of this fund is a big help to our compatriots who are caught in difficult situation,” Pangandaman said.
“The release of additional funding came at the right time. We want to help the DSWD in providing help and protection to families that are in need,” she added.
The DSWD’s assistance to individuals in crisis situation (AICS) forms part of the protective services for individuals and families in difficult circumstances (PSIFDC) program.
AICS is a provision of integrated services, which include financial assistance for transportation, medical, burial, food and other support services, which are given to individuals and families in crisis situation.
As of June 30, the AICS program served over 1.5 million clients exceeding its annual target of around 1.4 million. Around 642,348 remaining clients are projected for 2022.
“This proves that the government is prioritizing the vulnerable at disadvantaged sectors. This is not lip service as the President said no Filipino will be left behind,” Pangandaman said.
Last Aug. 2, the DBM had also approved the release of the SARO amounting to P4.13 billion to the DSWD, which covered second tranche requirements for the implementation of the Targeted Cash Transfer (TCT) program.
The P4.13-billion budget allotment is expected to benefit over four million beneficiaries.
Under the program, each non-Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) beneficiary identified by the DSWD shall receive an amount of P500 per month for two months.