DSWD: Nearly 1M beneficiaries for aid program
The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) has reported that 953,560 individuals received over P8.5 billion in medical assistance in the first half of the year under its Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situation (AICS) program.
Based on its records, the DSWD said that of the total, 670,825 beneficiaries were provided medical aid through cash assistance up to P10,000, while 282,735 others secured guarantee letters to cover hospitalization costs, medicine and diagnostic procedures.
“A sudden illness or medical emergency can cripple a family that is already struggling. The same can be said for our clients who, even if they have enough money, face a crisis when someone in the family gets sick,” Social Welfare Assistant Secretary Irene Dumlao said in a statement on Wednesday.
Critics have accused the government of using AICS to influence voters in the May elections, but DSWD officials said that safeguards were in place to prevent politicians from abusing the program.
