The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) has deployed more social workers and support personnel to the new processing center for its Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situation (AICS) program, reinforcing efforts to provide faster and more efficient service to thousands of Filipinos in crisis and who are seeking aid each day.

The DSWD transferred on July 31 the AICS processing center from the agency’s Central Office in Batasan to the Commonwealth Satellite Office in Paragon Place, Quezon City to provide a more comfortable and accessible venue for beneficiaries.

Assistant Secretary Juan Carlo Marquez, the DSWD’s co-spokesperson, said the additional personnel ensure that clients can be properly assisted at the new processing center.

“Nagdagdag tayo ng mga social workers na nagsasagawa ng interview at assessment. Ang capacity ng ating bagong processing office ay kayang mag-accommodate ng 1,000 katao at a given time. Ibig sabihin mas madami na tayong matutulungan sa loob ng isang araw sa mas convenient na lugar (We deployed more social workers to conduct interviews and assessment. Our new processing center can accommodate 1,000 individuals at a given time. We can assist more persons in one day at a more convenient place),” Marquez said in a statement on Tuesday.

The DSWD also continues to implement measures to cut waiting time, including the streamlining of procedures, he said.

“Kung dati ay mayroon tayong limang steps, dahil sa ating ginawang streamlining of processes, tatlo na lang po ang steps natin (When before there are five steps, there are now only three steps because of the streamlining process),” he said.

The three steps now consist of securing a queue number, interview and assessment by social workers, and release of assistance.

Marquez said these reforms are part of Secretary Rex Gatchalian’s directive to ensure efficient delivery of assistance and upholding the comfort and dignity of clients undergoing difficult times. (PNA)