DSWD clarifies ayuda also available for middle class in crisis

The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) on Friday clarified that government cash assistance is not limited to the poorest sectors, saying even middle-class Filipinos experiencing financial crises may seek help from the agency.

DSWD Secretary Rex Gatchalian said the Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situation (AICS) program is designed to provide immediate relief to anyone facing urgent financial difficulties, regardless of income bracket.

“Akala ng maraming tao ang DSWD para lang sa mahihirap. No. Kapag ikaw ay may krisis na pinagdadaanan, kahit na anong krisis yan—medical, burial, temporary nawalan ka ng trabaho, hindi mo na mapakain pamilya mo—matungo lang kayo,” he said in an interview on GMA Network’s Unang Hirit.

(Many people think that the DSWD is only for the poor. No. When you are going through a crisis, no matter what crisis it is—medical, burial, temporary, you lost your job, you can no longer feed your family—just come to our office.)

“Kung apektado na kayo, na may mga pagbabago na sa pamilya, hunger is happening in the family, pumunta na kayo sa aming opisina,” he added.

(If you are already affected, if there are changes in the family, hunger is happening in the family, come to our office.)

Social workers will conduct interview as an evaluation if the person is qualified for the cash relief assistance, according to Gatchalian.

“May mga social worker tayo na mai-interview kayo. Kaya kami may social worker, para sila na 'yung magsasabi sa departamento, itong taong ‘to, kailangan na ng social welfare,” he said.

(We have social workers who can interview you. That's why we have social workers, so that they can tell the department, this person needs social welfare.)

“Ang tawag dyan sa entrada namin, sa libro namin is, cash relief assistance. So, whenever you're in crisis, kailangan mo ng immediate na panandaliang relief, meron sa DSWD,” he added.

(We call it in our entry, in our book, cash relief assistance. So, whenever you're in a crisis, you need immediate short-term relief, you can receive help from DSWD.)

Gatchalian made the statement following a series of steep fuel price hikes due to the tension in the Middle East, which could lead to higher prices of basic goods and services in the country.

To apply, beneficiaries only need to present one valid government-issued ID and proof of the crisis, such as a hospital bill, funeral contract, promissory note, or documents showing job loss.—AOL, GMA Integrated News