Edward Bonus was 19 years old when he lost his mother to brain cancer. From that day on, he never realized he could again feel a mother’s love until Aling Dionisia, the mother of his wife, became his mother-in-law and treated him like her own son.
“Simula po nang pumasok ako sa pamilya nila, hindi na po ako naging iba. Parang siya na po ‘yung pangalawang magulang ko,” Edward Bonus said in an interview aired over the fifth episode of the AICS Chronicles, an online documentary of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD)’s Strategic Communications.
They may not be related by blood but the genuine care and kindness Edward got from his loving wife and in-law made them no less than a real family.
When Aling Dionisia’s health began to deteriorate, Edward did not think twice on devoting his time to help her with her needs. He stepped into the difficult days ahead, just like how a real son would do.
Edward and his wife were constant companions of Aling Dionisia in her regular dialysis after she was diagnosed with kidney failure three years ago.
While the entire family worked hard to address the piling hospital bills, Aling Dionisa’s condition worsened and the medical expenses ballooned even more.
Aling Dionisia also underwent open-heart surgery and shortly after, she was told of the need for a pacemaker.
Overwhelmed by the never-ending financial challenges, Edward sought the help of the DSWD.
“Kalalabas lang po namin ng hospital sa Philippine Heart Center gawa po ng na-open surgery po siya. Kaya ang ginawa ko po bilang ako po kasi ay isang online seller kaya po ako na lang ang nagpasya na mag-asikaso kaya pumunta po ako dito sa DSWD,” Edward explained.
Encouraged by a friend, Edward sought the help of the DSWD and applied for medical aid under the agency’s Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situation (AICS) program.
The AICS is one of the social welfare services of the Department that provides medical, burial, transportation, education, food, or financial assistance to individuals who are in crisis as assessed by social workers.
The process, Edward said, was not only fast, it was filled with compassion. Social workers made sure that he would be able to secure much-needed assistance to address their family’s circumstances.
“Yung proseso is napakagaan saka yung approach po lalung-lalo na nung mga nagi-interview, the best po,” Edward said, holding back tears of joy.
Through the AICS program, Edward was able to settle part of the hospital bills and secure the essential medications. But more than the financial aid, what he received was an affirmation that the government is not just a system, but a partner in personal battles.
Edward is beyond grateful to the DSWD’s social workers as their help allowed him to be what he wanted to be most— a son repaying a mother’s love.
He regards the DSWD as a blessing sent from above to people like him who are willing to do everything to fight for their loved ones but are often bound by financial constraints.
“[Nagpapasalamat po kami syempre] unang-una po sa taas kasi syempre ginamit po ang DSWD para tulungan yung mga case po na talagang walang kakayahan kaya nagpapasalamat po kami,” Edward said.
The AICS Chronicles is a new online program of the DSWD hosted by Media Relations Officer Mel Cabigting of the Digital Media Service (DMS).
The program, which airs every other Monday via the DSWD Facebook page, features real-life stories of individuals and families who were able to overcome financial challenges through the help of the agency’s AICS. (LSJ)