The Department of Budget and Management (DBM) has released an additional P2 billion to the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) to assist individuals “in crisis situations”, the agency announced on Tuesday.
In a press statement, DBM said Secretary Amenah Pangandaman approved the release of a Special Allotment Release Order (SARO) on Monday, 8 August.
“Ang pondo ng taumbayan, dapat pong mapakinabangan rin ng taumbayan lalo na sa oras ng peligro. The release of this fund is a big help to our kababayan who are caught in difficult situations,” said Pangandaman.
“Maganda ang timing ng karagdagang pondong ito. Gusto nating tulungan ang DSWD para makapagbigay ng tulong at proteksyon sa mga pamilyang nangangailangan,” 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. AICS is a provision of integrated services that include financial assistance for transportation, medical needs, burial and food, and other support services.
As of 30 June, the AICS program has served over 1.5 million individuals, exceeding its annual target of around 1.4 million Filipinos.
Around 642,348 remaining clients are projected for 2022.
“Patunay ito na binibigyan prayoridad ng pamahalaan ang pagtulong sa mga vulnerable at disadvantaged sectors. Hindi lip service ang sinabi ng Pangulo na walang Pilipino ang maiiwan,” said Pangandaman.
Last 2 August, the Budget chief approved a P4.1 billion special allotment to mitigate the impact of inflation on the most vulnerable households through the Targeted Cash Transfer program.
Under the program, individuals identified by the DSWD as non-beneficiaries of the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) will receive P500 per month for two months.