The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) has resumed the issuance of guarantee letters (GLs) for medical and burial assistance under the Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situation (AICS) program.
The GL assures payment to accredited providers of medical and burial services.
DSWD Field Offices conduct the assessment for the immediate assistance.
“Gaya po ng na-i-commit natin nuong Disyembre, agad po naming ni-resume ang pag-iisyu ng guarantee letters simula Enero 5 para masigurong agad na ma-ipagpatuloy ang pagbibigay ng tulong para sa medical at burial assistance ng mga kwalipikadong kliyente, lalo na ‘yung mga dumadaan sa matinding krisis. Alam namin malaking bagay ang GL para maibsan ang nararanasang krisis ng ating mga bulnerableng kababayan (Like what we have committed in December, we immediately resumed the issuance of guarantee letters starting Jan. 5 to ensure that qualified beneficiaries can receive medical and burial assistance, especially those experiencing severe crisis. We know that GL greatly helps ease the crisis being experienced buy our vulnerable countrymen),” Assistant Secretary Irene Dumlao said in a statement on Tuesday.
While the issuance of GL has resumed, Dumlao said the provision of direct cash aid under the AICS program is temporarily suspended.
It is in accordance with existing policies of the Department of Budget and Management and pending the release of funds under the 2026 national budget.
“Makakaasa ang mga nakararanas ng krisis na agad nating sisimulan ang assistance na ito kapag mayroon ng nakalaang pondo para dito. Pero inuulit po namin na patuloy naman po ang ating serbisyo sa pamamagitan ng guarantee letters para hindi maantala ang kinakailangang tulong (We assure our clients that this assistance will immediately resume once the funds are allocated. We reiterate that services continue through the GL so that needed assistance will not be delayed),” Dumlao said.
Clients seeking assistance may visit the DSWD Crisis Intervention Unit, Social Welfare and Development Office or Satellite Offices in their locality or region.
A complete list of DSWD offices nationwide may be accessed through the official website: https://tinyurl.com/2m75fsf4.
The DSWD also advised the public to regularly monitor its official website and verified social media accounts for further announcements and updates regarding the AICS program and other social protection services. (PNA)