The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), through its Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situation (AICS) program, has served more than 23,000 cancer patients in 2025.

In a news release on Friday, the DSWD stated that 23,270 cancer patients were provided with more than PHP200 million worth of medical assistance in line with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s directive to ensure that all vulnerable sectors receive ample government support.

The AICS is one of the DSWD’s social protection programs that provides medical, burial, transportation, food, and financial assistance to poor, vulnerable, and marginalized Filipinos experiencing crises or difficult life events.

Undersecretary Pinky Romualdez of the DSWD’s Operations Group said the program can be accessed by any Filipino facing challenging situations.

“Kahit sino po ay maaaring humingi ng tulong sa aming mga tanggapan. Kayo po ay malugod na i-a-assess ng aming mga social workers para sa naaangkop na tulong na maaaring ibahagi sa inyo (Anyone can ask for help from our office. Clients will be assessed by our social workers for the appropriate assistance that will be given),” Romualdez said.

For 2026, the AICS budget significantly increased from the PHP26.98 billion proposed in the National Expenditure Program to PHP63.85 billion under the General Appropriations Act.

“Dahil sa increase sa budget ng AICS, mas marami pa sa mga kababayan natin na may karamdaman o may krisis na kinakaharap ang mabibigyan ng financial assistance ng ating pamahalaan (Due to the budget increase for AICS, more Filipinos in crisis will be given financial assistance by our government),” Romualdez said.

The DSWD is also set to enhance the implementation of the AICS this year through the digital issuance of guarantee letters in line with the Marcos administration’s advocacy to digitalize and streamline government processes. (PNA)