MANILA — The Department of Budget and Management (DBM) has released P3 billion as an additional social safety net to help Filipinos cope with and recover from various crisis situations.
Budget Secretary Amenah Pangandaman has approved the special allotment release order and its corresponding notice of cash allocation amounting to P3 billion to the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD).
The allocation will go to DSWD’s Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situation (AICS) program that provides integrated services including financial assistance for transportation, medical, burial, food and other support services to individuals and families.
Pangandaman said the government aims to further strengthen social protection measures for Filipinos, especially the marginalized and vulnerable sectors.
The release of additional funding is charged under the unprogrammed appropriations which can only be triggered if there are new or excess revenue collections by the government.
The special provision states that a substantial amount shall be used to support infrastructure projects and social programs, including financial assistance to indigent individuals or families.
A key service of the DSWD, AICS provides medical assistance, burial, transportation, education, food or financial assistance for other support services of a person or family.
Started in 2014, AICS serves as a social safety net or stop-gap measure to support the recovery of individuals and families suffering from unexpected life events or crises.
It also aims to complement the social amelioration programs of the government and to sustain the basic necessities of families affected by the health and socio-economic disruptions.
Target beneficiaries are individuals or families who are indigent, vulnerable, disadvantaged or are otherwise in a crisis situation based on the assessment of the DSWD.
