The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) has disbursed P361 million in emergency assistance to over 14,000 Filipinos under its Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situation (AICS) program during the first month of 2026.

Data from the DSWD’s Crisis Intervention Program (CIP) showed that a total of P361,119,371 in aid was provided to 14,738 beneficiaries assisted at the agency’s Crisis Intervention Unit (CIU) satellite office in Quezon City.

DSWD Assistant Secretary and spokesperson Irene Dumlao said the figures reflect sustained demand for government assistance, with some beneficiaries traveling from provinces outside Metro Manila to seek help.

“Based on our record, more than 14,000 beneficiaries were granted assistance in our Commonwealth Avenue satellite office in January 2026 alone. Ang iba sa kanila ay galing pa sa ibang rehiyon, hindi lamang sa National Capital Region (Some of them came from other regions, not only from the National Capital Region),” Dumlao said on Thursday, Feb. 26.

Of the total beneficiaries, 5,512 individuals received guarantee letters amounting to P320,995,371, primarily intended to cover hospital bills and other medical expenses.

Meanwhile, 9,203 clients were granted outright cash assistance totaling P40,124,000, while 23 individuals were assisted through referral services.

Medical assistance accounted for the largest share of aid released during the month.

“Majority of our beneficiaries na nagtungo sa ating satellite office, medical assistance po ang kanilang hiningi. Nasa 12,857 individuals po ang nabigyan ng medical assistance at umabot na po sa mahigit P347 million ang naipamahagi nating tulong sa kanila (The majority of beneficiaries who went to our satellite office sought medical assistance. Around 12,857 individuals received medical assistance, with more than P347 million distributed to them),” Dumlao said.

Food assistance ranked second, benefiting 1,080 individuals with support amounting to P6,879,500, followed by funeral assistance availed by 741 individuals totaling P6,068,000.

The DSWD also extended transportation assistance worth P189,000 to 33 beneficiaries, while four individuals received cash relief assistance totaling P35,000.

Dumlao said individuals facing emergencies or financial difficulties may request aid through DSWD Crisis Intervention Units, Social Welfare and Development (SWAD) offices, and satellite offices nationwide.

“Tuloy-tuloy po tayo sa pamamahagi ng AICS para po sa mga kababayan natin na nangangailangan ng agarang tulong para matugunan ‘yung kinakaharap nilang problema. Kailangan lang na kumpleto ang mga requirements na kanilang dala sa ating mga regional or satellite offices, at within the day ay makukuha na rin nila ang kanilang mga guarantee letters or cash assistance (We continue to distribute AICS assistance to Filipinos who need immediate help to address the problems they are facing. As long as they bring complete requirements to our regional or satellite offices, they can receive their guarantee letters or cash assistance within the day),” she said.

The AICS program serves as one of the government’s primary social safety nets, providing immediate financial, material, and referral assistance to Filipinos experiencing medical emergencies, food insecurity, burial needs, and other crisis situations, subject to assessment by social workers.