The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Central Office is now processing anew the Step 1 of the Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situation (AICS) at its main office in Batasan Road, Quezon City after renovations of the processing area have been completed.

The Step 1 of the AICS includes the review of initial documents and the issuance of a schedule to the clients for the next steps for their requests for assistance.

For over a month, starting on March 13 until April 24, the Step 1 processing was held at the QC-X Building of the Quezon Memorial Circle to give way to the renovations to make the processing area more comfortable for the clients.

Rosemarie Portillo, 71, who requested for medical assistance for the purchase of medicines, arrived at the DSWD Central Office at 9am on the first day of processing at the newly-renovated area and was thankful that she did not wait long outside the compound.

“Wala naman po pila sa labas, pinapasok na po kami ng gwardiya at derecho na po pagpila sa step 1” (There were no lines outside the compound.  When I arrived, the guard told us to go in and directly lined up for Step 1), Rosemarie said.

Seated as she waited for her turn at the senior citizen’s lane, Rosemarie added, “Mabilis naman po ang ikot kahit madami kami” (The processing is fast even if there are many clients).

Another client, Dina Marcial, who requested assistance for the hospital bill of her mother, also shared her experience.

Dina said she arrived around 11 am and had no difficulty waiting for her turn.

“Matulin naman po ang process, saka, friendly naman po mga social workers” (The process was fast and the social workers were friendly).

Processing of requests for assistance under AICS such as medical, hospital bill, transportation, and burial, among others is from 6 am to 3 pm, Monday to Friday.

Clients are encouraged to bring complete documents to facilitate the speedy processing of their requests.

AICS serves as a social safety net or a stop-gap mechanism meant to support the recovery of individuals and families from unexpected crises such as illness or death of a family member, natural and man-made disasters and other crisis situations.

The program is implemented nationwide and clients are advised to seek assistance in the DSWD Field Office or satellite center near their place of residence.

The DSWD continues to find ways to provide the public easier access to the different programs and services of the Department in line with the directive of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. to ensure that Filipinos experiencing disaster or crisis are provided with the much needed assistance in a timely manner. ###