Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, January 3) — Cash aid for people in crisis will resume soon, the social welfare department spokesperson said on Tuesday.
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Romel Lopez said the agency is simply waiting for the release of its budget before processing claims under the Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situation (AICS), which may take a week or two.
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He said guarantee letters issued to beneficiaries may be used until cash grants are released.
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“Maaari pa naman pong mag-proseso ng assistance ang inyong DSWD (Department of Social Welfare and Development) sa mga kliyente na yung service provider nila — halimbawa yung ospital o punerarya — ay tumatanggap o kinikilala yung guarantee letter ng DSWD,” Lopez explained.
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[Translation: The DSWD may still process assistance to clients whose service providers — for instance, hospitals or funeral homes — accept or recognize guarantee letters from the DSWD.]
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Lopez said the delay in claims processing typically happens at the beginning of every new year but distribution of cash grants usually resumes within the first two weeks of January.
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The AICS provides cash aid to families or individuals experiencing unexpected crises such as illness or death. Last year, the DSWD provided grants to indigent students under the program.
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Meanwhile, the DSWD said it has provided over ₱85 million worth of aid to Filipinos affected by floods triggered heavy rains in the Visayas and Mindanao.
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