A total of 4,710 residents, including students from five provinces in the Bicol region, received Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situation (AICS) aid during weeklong offsite payout activities, a Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) official said on Wednesday.

In an interview, Jastine Joy Dichoso Escuro, DSWD-Bicol AICS program focal person, said a total of PHP13.1 million was distributed to 675 families for cash relief assistance and 4,035 students for educational assistance from Jan. 22 to 29 this year.

“Based on our record, the total amount of cash relief assistance is PHP1.8 million, and PHP11.3 million for educational assistance given. Educational assistance under the AICS program is the financial assistance given to students in crisis to meet their educational needs. Cash relief assistance is the aid that is given to individuals who experience extreme difficulty in life. Mostly they are given as augmentation support,” she said.

Escuro said the beneficiaries of cash relief assistance are mostly solo parents, indigents, farmers, fisherfolk and persons with disabilities.

“The beneficiaries were from the provinces of Catanduanes, Camarines Norte, Albay, Sorsogon, and Camarines Sur,” she added.

Escuro said each beneficiary received PHP2,000 up to PHP5,000 depending on the social workers’ assessment during the interview and processing.

AICS program is being implemented by the DSWD through the CIS as a social safety net to support the recovery of individuals and families in case of unforeseen crises, such as illness or death of a family member and other similar circumstances. (PNA)