DSWD OIC Regional Director Joselito Estember
The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) has released about ₱4.98 billion in assistance to more than one million people in Western Visayas who are dealing with crises or rising living costs.
In a news forum on Friday, Wesley Angelo Barayuga from the DSWD crisis intervention section said that from January 1 until now, the agency has already exceeded its targets. They assisted 664,998 individuals under the Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situation (AICS), more than double the original target of 335,568. Another 500,679 people received help under the Ayuda sa Kapos ang Kita Program (AKAP), also far above the target of 214,933.
Barayuga explained that AICS is meant to give immediate help to people facing emergencies or sudden hardships.
Based on DSWD data, over ₱2.98 billion was released through AICS as of Nov. 20. Food support made up the largest share at ₱1.8 billion. Medical aid reached ₱579.13 million, funeral support hit ₱286.54 million, education assistance totaled ₱188.4 million, cash relief reached ₱102.89 million, and transportation aid amounted to ₱57,000.
Another ₱132.79 million was released through AICS assistance handled by nine Malasakit Centers in the region.
OIC Regional Director Joselito Estember clarified that the planned temporary halt of off-site AICS payouts applies only to Iloilo City. This comes after reports of alleged cuts in distributed aid. He said their validation process remains strict, and DSWD staff conduct on-site checks to verify beneficiaries. What happens after payouts, he said, is beyond their control.
Estember added that walk-in applicants are still accepted in their satellite and extension offices, noting that AICS is based on immediate needs rather than fixed allocations.
For AKAP, more than ₱2 billion has already been released as of Nov. 20. This includes support for cash relief, food, medical needs, and funeral expenses. An additional ₱70 million was provided through Malasakit Centers.
