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)