The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), together with other national partner-agencies, signed the Joint Memorandum Circular (JMC) No. 1, series of 2021 or the “Implementing Guidelines for Accelerating and Harmonizing Aid and Humanitarian Operations of the National Government or AHON During Disasters and Emergencies” on October 4.

The JMC 1, s. 2021 creates a special committee which will ensure the efficient and harmonized delivery of assistance under the Aid and Humanitarian Operations Nationwide (AHON) Convergence Program.

Implemented under Executive Order No. 137, series of 2021, the AHON Convergence Program aims to institutionalize a platform for an enhanced and unified delivery of social services to poor and marginalized communities around the country, especially those affected by disasters, calamities, and even the current pandemic.

According to DSWD Secretary Rolando Joselito D. Bautista, the AHON Convergence program “ensures the efficient delivery and convergence of different government programs and services to aid the disaster-affected population, and to guarantee their immediate recovery.”

Among the services that can be availed from the program include basic services such as food and non-food relief items; livelihood, educational, burial, transportation, employment, medical, health, and direct financial assistance; as well as infrastructure funds for preparedness and rehabilitation facilities.

The DSWD, which serves as the Vice Chair of the AHON Convergence Program, committed the provision of the Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situation, Sustainable Livelihood Program, and the Kapit-Bisig Laban sa Kahirapan-Comprehensive and Integrated Delivery of Social Services to aid our kababayans in need.

Aside from Secretary Bautista, other guests who were present in the event were Department of Trade and Industry Secretary Ramon Lopez, Department of Information and Communications Technology Secretary Gregorio Honasan, Department of Health Undersecretary Charade Grande, Assistant Secretary Atty. Jingle Chua of the Office of the President, Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office  Assistant General Manager Juliet Aseo, and Senator Lawrence ‘Bong’ Go who delivered a special recorded message.

With the creation of the AHON Convergence committee, the DSWD pledges to continue to work hand-in-hand with concerned agencies to ensure a well-coordinated provision of social welfare and development services to support the poor, marginalized, and vulnerable sectors of society. ###