The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) is set to receive PHP5 billion more for its Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situation (AICS) program as part of the government’s immediate response to the needs of communities ravaged by the series of typhoons and other calamities.

The Department of Budget and Management (DBM) has approved the release of the Special Allotment Release Order and its corresponding Notice of Cash Allocation for the AICS program on Nov. 15.

Budget Secretary Amenah Pangandaman said the additional funding would help individuals severely affected by the recent typhoons to recover.

“Through this, we are sustaining support for vulnerable and marginalized communities. We are bridging the resource gap required for extensive disaster recovery and sustained support throughout the nation,” Pangandaman said in a DBM release Monday.

The AICS program is a critical component of DSWD’s services, providing essential support such as medical, burial, transportation, education, and food assistance, along with financial aid for other urgent needs of individuals and families in crisis.

The additional funds are under the special provisions in the 2024 General Appropriations Act concerning the use of Unprogrammed Appropriations, which may be tapped for vital infrastructure and social programs, including financial aid for needy citizens, contingent upon the availability of new or excess revenue collections, the DBM noted. (PNA)