MALATE, MANILA — In 2024, the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Field Office MIMAROPA provided assistance to 426,337 beneficiaries through the Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situations (AICS) and the Ayuda sa Kapos ang Kita Program (AKAP).
AICS served as a vital safety net, helping individuals and families recover from unexpected crises such as illnesses, deaths, and emergencies, exceeding its initial target of 106,030 clients by reaching 300,362 beneficiaries with a total disbursement of ₱1,298,697,508.80, wherein Food Assistance accounted for the largest share, benefitting 194,736 individuals and addressing food insecurity among vulnerable communities, Educational Assistance supported 41,674 beneficiaries to cover school-related expenses, Medical Assistance provided aid to 29,788 clients ensuring access to critical healthcare, Cash Relief Assistance reached 28,765 families affected by calamities to foster resilience, while Funeral Assistance and Transportation Assistance, although serving fewer clients, provided essential support to families during difficult times.
AKAP, established in response to the 6.0% inflation rate in 2023, aimed to ease the burden of rising costs on low-income earners and minimum-wage workers by distributing ₱633,314,700.00 in aid to 125,975 beneficiaries through Medical Assistance, Food Assistance, and Cash Relief Assistance.
Both programs, implemented under the Crisis Intervention Section (CIS), served as action centers to address the needs of individuals and families in crisis or affected by inflation, achieving steady and reliable service delivery throughout the year through strategic collaborations with partner local government units (LGUs), which provided logistical support and secured safe, accessible venues for activities to ensure services reached even the most underserved communities in remote areas.
Regular disbursements at SWAD Offices supplemented program outreach, enabling efficient responses to client needs, and the dedication and professionalism of DSWD staff, who demonstrated a client-centered approach and went beyond their roles, were instrumental in ensuring the assistance reached those who needed it most.
The achievements of the AICS and AKAP programs highlight DSWD FO MIMAROPA’s steadfast dedication to uplifting vulnerable populations, delivering not just immediate relief but also fostering lasting resilience and hope, reaffirming its unwavering commitment to improving the lives of those most in need across the region.