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)

For Mary Joyce Martinez, a mother of five from Talim Island in Rizal, each day means stretching every penny they had just to put food on the table.

Dreams of becoming someone her children could look up to or a neighbor her community could count on was once a quiet hope, often blurred by the noise of daily hardships and quest for survival.

But in 2013, lady luck smiled on them. Her family became part of the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps)— the flagship poverty-alleviation program of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD).

What started as support for her children became the spark that awakened a leader — an advocate, and a woman who found her voice and used it to uplift others.

From small beginnings

Mary Joyce and her family’s story revolved around a small, crowded home tucked in a corner of Barangay Boor in Talim Island, Rizal.

Her husband, Emilito Martinez, would always seize earning opportunities as mechanic and laborer. But it was still quite hard to budget his income for a large family.

“Wala pa po akong trabaho noon. Bale si mister ko lang po ang may trabaho sa sobrang hirap po,” Mary Joyce shared in an interview by the Kwento ng Pag-Asa at Pagbabago or #KPAP, the online documentary of the DSWD.

When the Martinez family was enrolled into the 4Ps in 2013, the entire family felt a big sense of relief.

The cash grant helped the family heads in covering the educational and health needs of the family’s five children.

“Napakaraming sakripisyo na ginawa bilang magulang, lahat po na yong pag kakakitaan pinapasok ko po para lang po may maisuporta sa kanila. [Kaya yung nanggagaling na suporta mula sa 4Ps] napakalaking tulong po talaga sa mga gastusin namin,” Mary Joyce said.

4Ps’ transformative influence

The program’s development initiatives such as the Family Development Sessions also empowered Mary Joyce to be involved beyond the payout lines.

She took on the role of Parent Leader, organizing and guiding others in managing their benefits wisely.

Among those who were impressed by her leadership is Hazel Joyce Ocampo, a 4Ps municipal link officer

“Si Ate Mary Joyce or mas kilala namin as ”Ate MJ,” isa po sya sa pinaka active na parent leader dito sa Barangay Boor so isa po sya sa na identify namin talaga na ah yong community involvement nya dito sa community na sobrang active,” Hazel Joy explained.

Her involvement deepened as she became a Barangay Violence Against Women and Children (VAWC) Officer. The once-quiet housewife had found her voice and she is now using it to protect others.

Mary Joyce’s metamorphosis did not stop there. It rippled within her family.

Her eldest, John, a monitored child under 4Ps, finished high school with honors and now serves as a Sanguniang Kabataan or SK Chairman in their barangay.

According to John, the support he got from DSWD fueled his determination to better his studies over the years.

“Dati pa talaga, wala ako sa focus. Di ako masyadong ano sa pag aaral. Pero syempre nakikita ko rin ang buhay namin. Meron naman pong tumutulong, bakit hindi ko ibibigay yong part ko bilang isang estudyante nong nag-focus po talaga ako sa pag aaral lagi po akong nasama sa top,” John said.

Thanks to the stability provided by 4Ps and the sacrifices of their parents, another daughter, Maria Cristina, is now attending college in Pampanga.

The rest of the children continue their studies—an achievement that once seemed out of reach.

Emilito, as the head of the family, was happy that his children are now steering a better life, something that he had always wanted for them.

“Wala ho kasi akong pamamana sa kanilang iba kundi ‘yong pag aaral lang kasi ako hindi ako nakatapos kaya lang ang ibibigay ko sa kanila lagi ko naman pong sinasabi sa kanila yon bilang magkakapatid sila,” Emilito shared with a smile filled with a sense of relief.

“Dahil sa 4Ps, nakakaluwag po kami kasi halos naibibigay po sa mga bata yong gusto nila nakapag aral sila ng maayos kung ano po yong mga kailangan sa school na bibili po,” Emilito continued.

4Ps is a start, not a destination

Mary Joyce knows what it feels to struggle finding your ground and purpose when going past the day without a rumbling stomach is almost a luxury.

That’s why today, she dedicates herself to uplift and encourage others—especially mothers like her.

She also actively urges co-beneficiaries to use the support they receive as a starting point, not a destination.

“Gamitin nila po sa tama yong nakukuha nilang payout sa 4P’s kasi kung sa ibang bagay po nila gagamitin, wala pong mangyayari.” Mary Joyce urges.

The Martinez family’s story holds a simple truth: behind every struggling parent is the potential for strength. Behind every child in need is the chance for greatness.

Programs like 4Ps, when paired with willpower and proposed community spirit, can ignite transformations that last a lifetime.

The Martinez family shows that there is greatness in all of us and sometimes, it just takes an extending hand and a tap on the back to uncover it.

KPAP is the award-winning online documentary program of DSWD, aired every Tuesday over the Department’s official Facebook page. (LSJ)

Artemio Bautista, known to many as Art, always thought his name would lead him to a life of painting and drawing. With a passion for the arts, he dreamt of becoming a Fine Arts student but as it turned out, fate had other plans for him.

Being a social worker wasn’t part of his dream. He never imagined that he would be working in the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD).

Art came from a family of soldiers. His father, grandfather, and brother all served in the military, naturally leading him to consider a career in the Armed Forces too.

“Kasi, in our family wala talagang social worker and then mga teachers kasi ‘yung kapatid ko, sundalo. Tapos yung lolo ko sundalo, ‘yung tatay ko sundalo, and I decided na gusto kong sumunod sa kanila,” Art told the Kwentong Angels in Red Vests (ARV), the latest online documentary of the DSWD’s Strategic Communications.

Art’s father, however, persuaded him to choose a different path.

“Sabi ng father ko, ‘tama na kaming sakripisyo so maghanap ka anak ng ibang kurso’. Interested kasi ako dati ng Fine Arts, talagang ’yun talaga ang pinaka-dream ko sa buhay kaya lang alam mo naman ang mga farmers sa Mindanao dati walang mga puhunan. Mahirap ang buhay,” Art narrated.

Knowing that life is hard for a farmer’s family in Mindanao, Art immediately gave up on his dream of taking the expensive Fine Arts course.

Art first tried a Civil Engineering course at the Mindanao State University (MSU) but since he enrolled late, he ended up taking Bachelor of Arts not knowing it would lead him to a new purpose in life.

One day, while sitting under a tree in MSU overlooking Marawi City, Art prayed and asked God what course he should take.

That’s when a fellow church member approached him and asked, “Gusto mo bang maging tagapagtanggol ng mga mahihirap?”

Art was taken aback by the random question.

“‘Yun po yung nag-strike sa akin. Sabi ko ‘may kurso bang tagapagtanggol ng mahihirap maliban sa military’. Maliban sa military wala namang tagapagtanggol. Sabi niya [church mate], meron, social work,” Art vividly recalled.
By chance, the dean of the social work program was the uncle of his church friend so the transfer from Bachelor of Arts to Social Work was smooth and easy.

“Maniwala kayo sa hindi, ang social work ay napamahal lang sa akin noong third year na ako,” Art said.

His love for social work grew stronger when he had his field practice in Iligan City. The barangay where he was assigned was hit by a disaster and his supervisor asked him to write a proposal to help the community.

“‘Mag draft ka ng proposal at i-endorse natin’. Bilang estudyante, gusto ko talaga ’yung magsulat, ‘yung magpakitang-gilas. Nag-draft ako ng proposal at noong i-submit niya doon sa Iligan City, in-approve na ‘yun. That‘s the first time na ung proposal kong ginawa na in-approve ng isang city social welfare officer,” Art narrated..

He then recalled: “Pagbalik ko sa university, napamahal na sakin ‘yung social work office non. That’s the time sabi ko, truly, God predestined me to this. ‘Yun na ’yon, napamahal na sa’kin.”

Art graduated with a degree in Social Work in 1993 and started his career at the DSWD later on.
Dedicated to his work, Art is now the section head of the Policy, Quality, Assurance and Compliance Section of the DSWD’s Crisis Intervention Unit (CIU).

After many years of service, Art has this message for fellow social workers: “Tuloy lang kayo kasi kayo yung pag-asa ng ating bayan. Ang social worker ay kayang gumawa ng isang pamilyang maayos, isang pamilyang masaya habang nagtatrabaho.”

The Kwentong ARV is hosted by Director Lara Ang Duran of the Traditional Media Service (TMS) and airs every other Monday over the DSWD Facebook page. It features stories of social workers and agency personnel dedicated to serving poor Filipinos with extra love and extra care. (YADP)

Coffee lovers, how do you like your coffee? Some people like it hot. Others prefer it iced. Some crave its strong and bitter taste or love it with lots of sugar and cream.

But for Rodiyo Tacdoy of Benguet province, a former monitored child of the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps), a coffee is more than just a drink as he took the La Trinidad-grown coffee to the next level.

Proof to this was when Rodiyo Tacdoy was able to sell his special coffee beans for a hefty price of Php9,900 per kilo during the Philippine Coffee Quality Competition (PCQC) last May 9.

The 22-year-old Rodiyo also made history in the Philippine-grown coffee business when he emerged as winner in the Arabica category during last month’s competition.

The taste of Rodiyo’s coffee surprised everyone when a buyer made a bid of Php1,158,300 for 117 kilos of his Benguet-grown beans.

Rodiyo humbly shared that this was his way of giving back to the land that raised him, and brought honor to his family of farmers from Barangay Wangal in La Trinidad, Benguet.

What’s the secret behind this one-of-a-kind brew? Rodiyo’s determination and strong purpose to achieve a better life.

4Ps as game changer for Tacdoy family

Rodiyo grew up with his parents and his five all-girl siblings who were later supported by the 4Ps program of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) in 2012. His father, who farms various fruits and vegetables for a living, was the family’s breadwinner at that time.

As recalled by Rodiyo, the conditional cash grants they received went a long way and was the game changer for the Tacdoy family.

Rodiyo is grateful to the national government’s anti-poverty program as he owes it to 4Ps that he was able to secure his senior high school diploma despite his family’s low income. In addition, the Tacdoy family also had the means to support their siblings’ health needs because of the 4Ps program.

“Before kami naging miyembro ng 4Ps, talagang kapos kami sa pangangailangan sa pag-aaral. Ang 4Ps ay nagbigay ng malaking tulong sa amin upang bigyang importansya ang aming pag-aaral. Kahit may kalayuan ang aming eskwelahan, nagbigay sigla ang tulong ng 4Ps sa aming magkakapatid. Dahil sa 4Ps, nakapagtapos ako ng Senior High School,” Rodiyo shared in an interview with the DSWD’s Field Office (FO) – Cordillera Administrative Region.

Family Development Sessions

Rodiyo narrated that aside from the cash grants, the learning and knowledge he gained from the Family Development Sessions (FDS) helped him mature as a responsible and persevering person.

“Naranasan ko na mag-attend ng FDS at napakadami kong natutunan doon. Bilang panganay, may mga pagkakataon na ako ang pinapadalo ni mama. Isa sa mga natutunan ko ay ang pagiging isang ehemplo sa aking mga kapatid, paano sila alagaan, at pagiging isang mabuting anak,” the former 4Ps monitored child said.

And when life threw another curveball when his father had a motorcycle accident, Rodiyo’s determination to help his parents and siblings never faltered despite how difficult the incident was for their family.

“So parang yun nga po yung simula ng interes sa kape kasi hindi na makapagtrabaho yung father ko wala nang pagkukunan ng gastusin ganon. Tapos ayun, nakita ko nga po yung mga coffee beans ng grandfather ko, tinignan ko bakit nasayang, ano kaya ang pwedeng gawin para mapakinabangan?,” Rodiyo pointed out.

Rodiyo took the chance to learn how to harvest and sell the beans himself. Little did he know, this first step would not only get them back on their feet but forever change his life.

“At nung sinimulan namin, yung knowledge ng father ko inassist niya po kami so sabi niya ganito, ganito gawin niyo. Then may mga coffee farmers din na pinagkunan namin ng knowledge para maproces po ang kape namin,” Rodiyo shared.

From 4Ps-monitored kid to coffee entrepreneur

Rodiyo learned modern techniques like anaerobic fermentation and the cultivation of beans with other flavors such as lychee, tropical fruit, and floral flavors.

“Yung coffee na pinrocess namin na guided by my father, sinali po namin sa La Trinidad competition, naka-second po siya, so do’n po kami nagka-interes about coffee politics. 2020 tinuloy po namin po hanggang 2021 stable naman po yung phasing nasa first and second din ako nung 2023. Nung 2024 po dun tayo nagkainteres na mag-increase sa national PCQC,” Rodiyo said in his recollection.

At the 2024 PCQC, Rodiyo made history as the youngest contestant.

A year later, he brewed another historic moment, this time, as a champion who was able to sell his coffee to the highest bid ever recorded in the prestigious competition.

With his string of success, Rodiyo happily shared his intent to pursue his love for coffee while earning enough to support himself and his family. He also bared plans to continue his study while pursuing his passion for growing coffee beans.

“Ituloy ko pa rin ang pagtatanim ng kape. Pero, gusto kong ituloy ang aking pag-aaral. Balak ko na ituloy ang matagal kong pangarap na kukuha ng Engineering. Pero sa ngayon, kailangan kong mag-ipon para may sapat akong gagamitin sa pag-aaral ko,” Rodiyo said.

“Gusto ko rin na makatapos sa pag-aaral ang aking mga kapatid upang mas mabigyan kami ng magandang kinabukasan,” Rodiyo continued.

Rodiyo is also now mentoring other young farmers, passing on what he’s learned, and helping others believe that a future in farming isn’t just possible— it can be powerful and uplifting.

“Gusto ko rin na matutunan ng iba pang mga kasama na nagtatanim ng kape na bigyang importansiya ang tamang pagtanim at pagproseso ng kape, dahil ang kape natin dito sa Benguet ay talagang may kalidad,” Rodiyo said.

While his family is about to exit 4Ps as they have attained a level 3 or self-sufficient status, Rodiyo said he will forever be grateful to the program. He is also thrilled to take a leap into the next chapter, knowing so well that a bright future not only awaits him and his family, but also, for the hard-working coffee farmers of La Trinidad.

In a world where young people are often told to leave the farms for something “better,” Rodiyo is a living example that there are times that the best path forward is the one that brings you back home.

The 4Ps is the national anti-poverty alleviation program of the Government implemented by the DSWD with the objective of breaking the inter-generational cycle of poverty. Like the Tacdoy family, the program intends to help the beneficiaries reach an improved quality of lives. (LSJ)

Some say cancer is a journey in which the afflicted walks the road alone.

In the case of Presildo Abuke, he undertakes the journey with his stage 4 lung cancer in the company of his family and with the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) within his reach.

A former family driver, Presildo has been fighting the disease for 7 years now, a serious ailment he believes to have been caused by excessive drinking and chain smoking during his younger days.

Through the DSWD’s Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situation (AICS) program, Presildo is able to receive assistance to buy his life-saving medicine every three months.

“Nung nagpacheck-up po siya nung 2018, nalaman po naming na meron po siyang sakit na cancer sa baga. Matagal na po siyang family driver, pero nun nagkasakit po nahinto sa pagtatrabaho kaya po kami lumalapit dito sa DSWD para po sa gamot niya,” Jenny Abuke, Presildo’swife, told the DSWD’s “AICS Chronicles” team.

AICS is one of the social protection programs of the DSWD that provides financial assistance in the form of medical, funeral, transportation, food, and cash relief assistance, including material assistance, psychosocial support and referral services to individuals and families who are experiencing extreme crisis, as assessed by social workers. Clients needing continuous medical assistance, like Mr. Presildo, may avail of AICS every three months.

During the interview, a teary-eyed Presildo narrated the hardship his family is going through as his maintenance medicine costs P1,000 per day and without a job, they had no other recourse but the DSWD. Presildo also recently had a stroke which added to the difficulties the family had to face every day.

“Ang hirap nga eh, ang hirap maghanap buhay dahil hindi na ako nakakalakad eh, nagpapatulong na lang. Kaya malaking tulong ang DSWD sa akin, dahil nakakakuha ako para sa cancer ko, nakakahingi ng tulong. Malaking bagay po yun. Lahat ng mga ano (tulong) sa dialysis, sa cancer doon lang yun. Maraming salamat po sa DSWD batasan, malaking tulong sa akin yung tuwing tatlong buwan nakakahingi ako ng tulong,” an emotional Presildo said.

To help with his medical expenses, Presildo’s wife Jenny takes on regular laundry and one of their children gives them some money which she diligently budgets. However, with their youngest child just 9 years old, the Abuke family has difficulty making both ends meet.

Full of gratitude and positivity, Jenny focuses on the help they receive from the DSWD every quarter as their family’s ray of hope while they continue to walk with Presildo in his fight against cancer.

“Nagpapasalamat po ako sa DSWD nabigyan po yung asawa ko ng pambili ng gamot niya at saka pang araw-araw din naming pang gastos,” a grateful Jenny 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 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. (GDVF)

In the rustic farmlands of Cuyapo, Nueva Ecija, an age-old Filipino tradition is taking root once more through the collective spirit of communal unity and cooperation – Bayanihan, as most people know.

According to Melanie Barnachea, the Municipal Social Welfare and Development Officer (MSWDO) of Cuyapo, the resurgence of the Bayanihan spirit did not happen overnight. It was through the Department of Social Welfare and Development’s (DSWD) Project LAWA (Local Adaptation to Water Access) and BINHI (Breaking Insufficiency through Nutritious Harvest for the Impoverished) that helped their community to rekindle the spirit of helping each other.

“Isa po dun sa nakikita namin ay yung pagbabalik ng Bayanihan. Importante po kasi na hindi lamang yung pagkakaniya-kaniya, kung hindi yung makikita mo kung paanong nagtutulong-tulong at nagkakaroon ng concern at pagsasama yung bawat miyembro ng komunidad,” Melanie said in an interview with the #Kwento ng Pag-Asa at Pagbabago (#KPAP), the award-winning online documentary of the DSWD.

Melanie said they were fortunate that their municipality was chosen as a beneficiary of the DSWD’s Project LAWA and BINHI, an initiative that focuses on food security and climate resilience by empowering local communities to cultivate agricultural and develop freshwater sources.

Out of 51 barangays in the town, 18 were chosen to participate in the project benefitting over 800 community members.

Through the help of the local government, the Municipal Agriculture Office distributed vegetable seeds to the participants for their BINHI project while the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) supplied 2,000 fingerlings for the LAWA component of the project.

Artemio Abellar Jr., one of the 44 beneficiaries from Barangay Burgos, happily shared that the project helped their community to ensure that they have sustainable food sources.

“Bumibili lang po kami dati sa kung sino yung mga naglalako, ngayon nung nagkaroon ang DSWD ng ganitong proyekto, napakalaking tulong po sa amin kasi tuloy-tuloy ang mga pananim namin…ganun din sa mga isda. Ipinagkaloob sa aming fingerlings na aming inaalagaan, pinapagaan ang aming kabuhayan,” Artemio said.

Meanwhile, Barangay Captain Carlos Caberto of Burgos did not hesitate to lend his half-hectare plot for the project. He stressed that it was natural to step up, not just as a community leader, but also as a neighbor to help those in need.

“Mostly po yung mga kinuha ko [na beneficiary] is yung mga talagang nangangailangan. Iyong talagang kung minsan walang trabaho, sa bukid lang umaasa. Tapos yung mga asawa naman kung minsan nasa Maynila, nag-take pa ng construction, ganun lang po,” Carlos explained.

As the community celebrates their third planting cycle in just a year, Carlos remains thankful for the gains that they continue to reap from the project.

“Nagpapasalamat po ako sa DSWD, sa LAWA at BINHI. Isang malaking tulong po sa aming barangay, lalo na sa mga beneficiaries na talaga namang gipit at natulungan natin sila. Nagkaroon sila ng experience at natuto silang magtanim maski sa sariling bakuran. Sana po tuloy-tuloy na magkaroon pa tayo ng mga ganitong programa,” Carlos told the #KPAP team.

The project’s impact is equally evident in Barangay Sinimbaan, where a large dam serves as both irrigation and fish source for over 40 beneficiaries.

Remalyn Soliven, president of the local LAWA at BINHI association in Sinimbaan, beams with pride as she shared in an interview with the #KPAP team on how their group has grown closer through the project.

“Masaya po kami lalo na po sa katuwaan sa kwentuhan lalo na po pag nagtatanim, nagdidilig. Nagpapasalamat po kami sa project na ito. Nagkaroon po kami ng lawa at binhi ng Sinimbaan. Nadagdagan po ulit ang aming kaisdaan dito sa lawa po,” Remalyn said.

Cuyapo Mayor Florida Esteban, on the other hand, also echoes the positive sentiments of her constituents noting how the townspeople partake in community building.

“Since groups of farmers itong LAWA at BINHI, marami ang nagtutulong-tulong para sa food security, pagtatanim ng mga gulay para makain, and at the same time, kung may sobra pwede nilang ibenta. Isa syempre na pwedeng bumili rin yung nutrition program namin wherein we feed the children who are malnourished,” Mayor Esteban said.

The #KPAP, the DSWD’s award winning online documentary, is a joint production of the Traditional Media Service (TMS) and the Digital Media Service (DMS) which are under the Strategic Communications. It is posted every Tuesday on the DSWD’s official Facebook page. (AKDL)

There is never an easy way to say goodbye to a departed loved one.

The grief and pain can be crushing beyond words— and for many Filipinos living from paycheck to paycheck, it is made even heavier by the financial weight of hospital bills, medication, and funeral expenses.

Yet even in those grim, heart-shattering moments, every bereaved family wishes nothing but to express their love, respect, and care for those who have passed on.

But what happens when love alone is not enough to cover the piling cost of a proper farewell?

This is where the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD)’s Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situation (AICS) program quietly condoles and steps in—providing burial assistance to families in need.

Mailene Enteria knows this all too well, as one of those who turned to DSWD for support
after her father, Mang Teodoro, fell ill.

In February, Mang Teodoro suffered a stroke—believed to be brought on by old age—and strings of complications that were soon unveiled.

“Kasi na-confine kami sa Rodriguez. Una po kasing diagnosis ay hypertension, pero nung na-stroke siya, marami na pong naging sakit,” Mailene shared in an interview with the AICS Chronicles, a new online documentary of the DSWD.

As her father’s medical expenses ballooned, the DSWD’s financial assistance helped Mailene and her family defray the medication and hospital expenses.

The AICS is one of the social welfare services of the DSWD that provides medical, burial, transportation, education, food, or financial assistance to individuals who are in crisis as assessed by social workers.

Mailene gained a sense of hope as she was able to garner needed funds to support her father’s treatment. Grief, however, took over as Mang Teodoro passed away a month later.

Still mourning the demise of his father, Mailene found herself in the DSWD’s premises
again—this time for a burial assistance.

“Pangalawang hingi ko na po ng tulong… una po financial assistance para po pandagdag sa
pambili ng gamot ng aking papa, ngayon po pangalawa naman po is burial assistance naman po para sa pandagdag din naman po ng mga pagkain po sa araw-araw po dun sa pakikipag lamay,” Mailene told the AICS Chronicle team.

Mailene’s story reflects that beyond the emotional pain, the financial cost of death can be paralyzing for many families. But with the DSWD’s AICS program, she was able to give her father the final farewell he deserved.

“Ang masasabi ko po sa DSWD, maganda po ang kanilang serbisyo, ang serbisyo nila para sa mga tao para sa mga taong tutulungan pa po nila,” Mailene said.

Another grieving family helped by the program was that of Ivory Pingkian whose wife passed away last March.

A masseur in their community, Ivory’s wife began suffering from severe headaches and dizziness. After a CT scan and MRI, doctors found a cerebral arachnoid cyst.

“Nagkaroon po kasi siya ng cyst sa ulo… nung nagpa-schedule po kami ng MRI nung March 24, kung kailan na namin nakuha ‘yung MRI result nung March 28, doon naman po
siya namatay,” Ivory shared with the DSWD’s online documentary.

His wife passed away in a snap, just hours after receiving the test results, barely having the chance to put up a fight against her medical condition.

Shocked at the sudden turn of events, Ivory could barely think straight or let alone think of how he could send-off his deceased partner with little money that they have.

But when it was time to process his wife’s funeral, Ivory was grateful that the government has support systems for people like him in the form of the AICS’ burial assistance.

For Ivory, the DSWD’s support meant more than just money—it meant relief, a much-needed moment of peace, during the most heartbreaking days of his life.

“Malaking tulong po sakin ito… kahit papaano po para sa aming financial… malaking tulong po siya,” Ivory added.

The stories of Mailene and Ivory are just two among many. They reflect the everyday reality of Filipinos who face both emotional and financial crises when a loved one passes on.

But through the AICS program, the DSWD ensures that no one has to face it alone, and every farewell should be dignified.

The AICS Chronicles is a new online program of the DSWD hosted by Public Relations Officer (PRO) Mel Cabigting of the Digital Media Service (DMS). The program, which airs every other Monday via the DSWD Facebook page, features the real-life stories of individuals and families who were able to overcome financial challenges through the help of the agency’s AICS. (LSJ)

The Dacyon family of Barangay Upper Uma, Lubuagan was one of the poor households in Kalinga province that benefitted from the Department of Social Welfare and Development’s DSWD) Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps).

Rosabelle Dacyon, a former 4Ps monitored child and the youngest in the family, can still remember vividly that it was June 2, 2009 when their family became a program beneficiary.

She was in Grade 3 at that time and her family was experiencing untold hardships.

In an interview with the DSWD’s #Kwento ng Pag-asa at Pagbabago (#KPAP) team, Rosabelle narrated: “Ang buhay po namin nung wala pa po yung 4Ps ay sobrang hirap kasi lagi akong naiiwan dito sa bahay namin para magtrabaho yung nanay ko para may pambili ng papel kasi nong wala pa yung 4Ps isa lang yung papel ko tapos tinitipid ko po.”

Maria Afichao, Rosabelle’s mother, also told the #KPAP team that life was indeed difficult during those times.

A young widower with five children, she decided to remarry as she found solo parenting quite challenging. Rosabelle is her youngest child with her second husband, Rafael.

“Kaya hindi nakapagtapos ng pag-aaral yung anak kong lima, kasi mag-isa lang akong nagtatrabaho, father and mother yung trabaho ko. Nung nag-asawa ulit ako kasi balo ako ipinanganak ko itong bunso namin,” Maria Afichao explained.

According to Rafael, they took all kinds of jobs just so they can provide food on the table and buy school materials for Rosabelle. They also resorted to broom-making and coffee drying as well as taking odd jobs just to make ends meet.

Their struggles went on until they experienced their first breakthrough as a 4Ps household beneficiary.

Majority of the cash grants they received were allocated for the education of Rosabelle. For Maria Afichao and Rafael, education was the only inheritance they could give her.

Maria Afichao narrated: ”Noong dumating yung 4P’s noong June 2009 napabilang kami. Mapalad kami at sobrang saya namin na isa sa mga napabilang [sa program]. May pambili na kami ng kakailanganin at hanggang ngayon na nakapagtapos na siya ng highschool at college malaking tulong ang 4P’s sa amin.”

Smart and studious, Rosabelle successfully finished her elementary and high school education. After which, Rosabelle worked in different establishments and received scholarships from their barangay and the local government of Kalinga to finish her college education.

Significantly, Rosabelle did not just graduate. She did it with much aplomb, as in her 4th year in college, her school informed her of an opportunity for a job-employment internship abroad.

Courageous and dedicated, Rosabelle processed all the requirements while studying.

Rosabelle happily shared to the #KPAP team: “Tapos nung nag-graduate na po napili po akong makapunta sa Thailand dahil naka graduate na ako at mataas po yung grade ko. Dahil sa 4P’s sobrang saya ko po kasi hindi po lahat makukuha, hindi sila mabibigyan ng opportunity.”

The former 4Ps monitored child stayed in Thailand for six months and came back in February 2025.

Also noteworthy was the transformation of Maria Afichao, who as a parent leader, led her fellow beneficiaries in implementing projects beneficial to their community. The mother and housewife became an able leader, empowered as a result of the 4Ps’ monthly family development sessions (FDS).

“Bilang parent leader, sinimulan ko sa mga may miyembro ng 4Ps talaga ang paglilinis sa paaralan, sa mga kalsada at daanan at pagpapahalaga sa kalusugan. Itong pag papakulong namin sa mga baboy ang isa sa pinaka magandang nagawa namin dito sa barangay para sa kalusugan,” Maria Afichao proudly shared.

For the Dacyon family, the 4Ps was instumental in making them experience some of the major “firsts” as a family and as individuals.

The family’s first college graduate, Roselle’s first trip abroad, Maria Afichao’s first community leadership role were their first breakthroughs in life.

“Nung dumating ang 4Ps naging magaan na kasi may katuwang sa pag-papaaral. Sobrang kaginhawaan kasi dahil dito may nakapagtapos sa mga anak namin,” Rafael pointed out.

Grateful and equipped with the values gained from her experiences, her studies, her parents and through the 4Ps, Rosabelle has now set her goal in finding a job and giving back to her parents.

“Salamat po sa 4Ps kasi nakapag-aral ako at malaki ang naitulong niya sa akin at kung wala yung 4P’s hindi din po ako makakalabas sa ibang bansa. Gusto ko din pong sabihin sa mga magulang ko dahil napagtapos din nila ako ng pag-aaral is pasasalamat ko sa kanila dahil sobrang sakripisyo nila. Kapag may trabaho na po ako is ibibigay ko po lahat ng pangangailangan lahat ng hindi nila naranasan noon,” Rosabelle tearfully said.

According to Ophelia Grace Addom, Municipal Social Welfare Officer of Lubuagan, the Dacyon family was just one of those helped by the DSWD through the 4Ps.

Addom said many families now have a number of graduates through the program. Moreover, the 4Ps has empowered many mothers with leadership and livelihood skills which resulted in an increase in their income.

The 4Ps, which was launched in 2008 and institutionalized in 2019 through Republic Act No. 11310 or the 4Ps Act, provides cash grants to more than 4 million households whose children are given subsidies to finish elementary and senior high school and supported with health and nutrition grants.

The #KPAP, the DSWD’s award winning online documentary, is a joint production of the Traditional Media Service (TMS) and the Digital Media Service (DMS) which are under the Strategic Communications. It is posted every Tuesday on the DSWD’s official Facebook page.

When Andy Paul Argao and his wife saw their baby with a swollen hand accompanied by a fever in July last year, they could only hope that it is just a simple illness that would only take a brief visit to the doctor.

However, as the fever did not subside, and the swelling even worsening, Baby Audria, who was barely one year old at that time, had to undergo different laboratory tests.

“Napansin po namin ‘yung aking baby na nagkaroon po siya ng pamamaga sa kamay at sinabayan po ito ng lagnat. Tuloy-tuloy po ang lagnat niya kaya nagpa-laboratory test na kami,” Andy told the DSWD’s new online program, the AICS Chronicles, while recalling the moments leading up to the most challenging moments in their lives.

When it was time to see the results, there came the news no parent ever wants to hear.

It was shown that Audria had acute lymphoblastic leukemia, a serious form of blood cancer. Andy and his wife were told that 81 percent of Audria’s body was already affected.

For a moment, time stood still. Fear, helplessness, and anguish kept Andy and his wife up at night. Their world crumbled, in total disbelief that their youngest child would have to battle with cancer at such a tender age.

Despite the devastating diagnosis, however, Andy and his wife refused to give in to despair. Instead, they held on tighter—to their faith, to each other, and to their child. It was a battle that they had to take and win, altogether.

“Lakas po namin, mula sa Panginoon. Siya po ang tumulong sa amin para magpatuloy. Pangalawa, sa tulong ng pamilya ko at mga kaibigan na nagdasal at sumuporta,” Andy said.

But the emotional weight was only one part of the battle. The financial burden loomed large. The doctor said chemotherapy might take three years. The Argao family knew their savings would not be enough to cover the hefty medical expenses ahead.

Amid the difficulties, Andy’s family turned to the government for help. One of the first agencies that came to mind was the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) and its Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situation (AICS) Program.

The AICS is one of the social welfare services of the DSWD that provides medical, burial, transportation, education, food, or financial assistance to individuals who are in crisis as assessed by social workers.

“That time po may kaunting savings kami pero kinompute po namin, hindi po ‘yun sasapat para sa buong dalawang taon po na paggagamot… kaya po naisip namin agad na lumapit sa DSWD,” Andy said.

Wasting no time, Andy gathered the required documents and went straight to the DSWD office.

“Nag-schedule po ako na pumunta dito sa DSWD at nagsimula po akong alamin kung ano po ‘yung proseso sa paghingi po ng financial assistance. Napakalaking tulong po ng naibigay po ng DSWD dahil naging maganda po ‘yung takbo ng kanyang chemotherapy,” Andy said, relating how the DSWD’s aid has sustained much-needed medical interventions for their baby.

Every three months, Andy returned to the agency for continued assistance— helping ensure the continuity of his daughter’s treatment.

After several back and forth visits to the hospital and to the DSWD, the miracle that the Argao family has been fervently praying for has been finally answered. From 81 percent, the leukemia in Audria’s body dropped to 0 percent.

“Unang una po ay miracle po ng ating Panginoon at the same time tulong po ng ating DSWD sa financial assistance… naisagawa po namin ang patuloy na pagpapagamot po sa aming anak na si Audria,” Andy shared.

Though the effects of chemotherapy were evident—Audria remained cheerful and full of life, giving the entire family the strength to endure through the hardships throughout their journey.

“Masaya po ang baby ko, malakas po siya tumawa ngayon at malakas din po siyang dumede ngayon sa nanay po niya dahil nagbe-breastfeed,” Andy said, who cannot help but smile over the improvement on her child’s condition.

The Argao family’s story is just one of the thousands of families who was once at the brink of hopelessness but found a helping hand through the DSWD’s AICS Program.

Andy regards her daughter’s recovery as a ‘miracle’ from above, and a well-fought battle against cancer with the help of various support systems, including the DSWD.

“Ang dami niyo pong natutulungan na mga kababayan na nangangailangan ng tulong… Kaya po ako ay lubos na nagpapasalamat—hindi lang po ako kundi ang aking pamilya…nagpapasalamat po sa DSWD sa pagbibigay ng tulong para sa mga nangangailangan tulad po namin,” Paul said, expressing his gratitude to the agency that stood with them as they fought for the life of their bundle of hope.

The AICS Chronicles is a new online program of the DSWD hosted by Public Relations Officer (PRO) Mel Cabigting of the Digital Media Service (DMS). The program, which airs every other Monday via the DSWD Facebook page, features the real-life stories of individuals and families who were able to overcome financial challenges through the help of the agency’s AICS Program. (LSJ)