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DSWD to assist more Filipinos in crisis situations as it moves to temporary processing site
Philippines
National
DSWD to assist more Filipinos in crisis situations as it moves to temporary processing site
DSWD to assist more Filipinos in crisis situations as it moves to temporary processing site
Published Mar 09, 2023 10:34 am
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Updated Mar 09, 2023 10:34 am
The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Central Office, in coordination with the Quezon City government, will temporarily transfer the Step 1 process for the Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situations (AICS) program to the QC-X Building of the Quezon Memorial Circle (QMC) starting March 13.
The transfer will be conducted as the DSWD Central Office at Batasan, Quezon City upgrades its facility to provide a better place for clients seeking assistance through AICS.
DSWD said the temporary site at the QMC will start accepting clients from 5 a.m. to 3 p.m. on March 13. The pre-assessment of documentary requirements and issuance of appointment schedules will be from Monday to Friday.
Step 1 includes the initial review of documents, issuance of appointment schedules, and initial assessment of clients requesting for assistance at the Central Office.
Meanwhile, the DSWD reminded applicants that aside from the Central Office, they can also go to DSWD field offices and existing satellite offices near their areas to avail of the AICS.
As part of the government’s goal to improve the distribution of aid to the poor, DSWD Secretary Rex Gatchalian issued a directive to the DSWD-Crisis Intervention Division (CID) to focus on short-term and long-term solutions in providing aid to Filipinos.
DSWD-CID handles the AICS program.
Gatchalian said the long-term goal for improving the system is to achieve the zero lane policy, or no long lines of clients, and all will be served.
As a short-term intervention, he said the DSWD is continuously coordinating with concerned authorities from the government and private sectors for the identification of possible venues that will serve as a remote site for the implementation of procedures under Step 1.
As for the long-term plan, the DSWD chief said they will open satellite offices throughout Metro Manila so that the Central Office in Quezon City will not be crowded with applicants.
Gatchalian also reiterated his plan to automate the AICS implementation process for easier and faster service delivery as a long-term initiative.