Living with her husband in Metro Manila, Arlene Amorin received the heartbreaking news that her mother-in-law, Servillana, had suffered a heart attack and later a stroke in their hometown in Southern Leyte.

As Servillana’s condition continued to worsen, Arlene and her husband desperately wanted to be by her side. But earning barely enough to meet their daily needs, the couple could not afford the transportation expenses to travel back home.

Refusing to give up hope, Arlene sought help from the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) through its Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situation (AICS) program.

“Lumapit po ako dito (DSWD) dahil yung nanay ko kritikal nandon po ngayon sa ospital, dahil hindi po namin kaya yung transpo po. Kaya kung pwede manghingi po ako ng tulong sa inyo para po makauwi po kami habang buhay pa po yung magulang ko. Para makausap ko po siya habang buhay pa po siya kasi hinahanap niya kami palagi,” Arlene said.

Through the AICS’ transportation assistance, the DSWD immediately extended the help they needed.

Upon arriving in Southern Leyte, Arlene and her husband stayed beside Servillana, caring for her during her remaining days. As they prepared for her meals, helped her eat, bathed her, the couple made sure that Servillana never felt alone.

“Napakain po siya namin, naalagaan po siya namin, pinapaliguan siya namin. Natutuwa po siya na umuwi kami doon,” Arlene explained.

But after spending their precious time together, the couple returned to Metro Manila. The very next day, they received the heartbreaking news that their mom Servillana had peacefully passed away.

Though grief filled their hearts, Arlene found comfort in knowing they were able to be with Servillana while she was still alive.

For Arlene, the assistance they received from the DSWD was more than just transportation support. It was compassion extended at a time when they needed it the most.

The DSWD offered a helping hand that allowed love, care, and family to come together during life’s most difficult farewell.

“Nagpapasalamat po kami sa DSWD, na nabigyan po kami ng tulong at nagpapasalamat din kami na nakita namin ang magulang namin na buhay pa,” Arlene said.

Stories of hope like Arlene’s remind us that behind every assistance extended by the DSWD is a family whose lives were changed in so many meaningful ways.

As DSWD Secretary Rex Gatchalian often said, it is imperative that the Department provides assistance in a timely manner, especially for those experiencing crisis. This is also in line with the directive of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. for the DSWD to work its best in ensuring that marginalized Filipinos receive the necessary support in times of their need, and when they still matter.

For Arlene, the assistance may seem minor, but its impact is great. The transportation assistance they immediately received gave them the rare opportunity to spend time and life-moments with a loved one.

The AICS Chronicles is an online program which airs every other Monday on the DSWD Facebook page that features the real-life stories of clients and beneficiaries who resolved their crisis through the AICS program. The program is hosted by Media Relations Officer Mel Cabigting of the Traditional Media Service (TMS). (CJD)