At least 414 residents from seven towns in Dinagat Islands benefited through a PHP1.2 million payout under the Department of Social Welfare and Development’s (DSWD) Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situation (AICS) program on Wednesday afternoon.

Each beneficiary, currently experiencing financial difficulties due to high inflation, received PHP3,000 in cash assistance.

“The AICS assistance will provide our residents the immediate relief from financial burdens and difficulties due to inflation,” Governor Nilo Demerey, Jr. said in a message to the Philippine News Agency on Wednesday.

Demerey said the beneficiaries are expected to use the support to purchase food, clothing, and other basic necessities for their families.

Marven Ponce, a beneficiary from Barangay Sering, Basilisa town, acknowledged the DSWD and the provincial government for the help.

“The needs of my family are ensured with the AICS assistance as we experience difficulties now,” Ponce said in the vernacular in an interview on Wednesday.

Another beneficiary, Hazel Homoc of Barangay Santiago, Loreto town, described the government’s AICS assistance as “timely,” as her family needs immediate intervention.

Demerey said the provincial government, in partnership with the concerned agencies, will continue providing immediate assistance to the people of the island province. (PNA)