DSWD Secures ₱2 Billion from DBM for Protective Services Program

The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) recently secured ₱2 billion of additional funding from the Department of Budget and Management (DBM). DSWD plans to allocate the fresh funds to its financial assistance for individuals and families in “crisis situations.” DBM Secretary Amenah Pangandaman noted that “public funds should benefit the people who are in difficult circumstances. The release of this fund is a big help to our compatriots who are caught in difficult situations.”

“The release of additional funding came at the right time. We want to help the DSWD in providing help and protection to families that are in need,” Pangandaman added, following the DBM’s approval of the special allotment release order (SARO). The DSWD’s Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situation (AICS) falls under its Protective Services for Individuals and Families in Difficult Circumstances (PSIFDC) program.

AICS aims to provide integrated services to relevant individuals. These include financial assistance as well as food and other support services. The program has served more than 1.5 million individuals as of June 30. This has since exceeded the DSWD’s annual target of approximately 1.4 million. By 2022, the social welfare department projects to serve around 642,348 remaining clients.

“This proves that the government is prioritizing the vulnerable at disadvantaged sectors. This is not lip service as the President said no Filipino will be left behind,” Pangandaman elaborated further. The DBM also approved the release of ₱4.13 billion SARO earlier this month to the DSWD. This covered the second tranche requirements for the DSWD’s Targeted Cash Transfer (TCT) program implementation. Over four million families are expected to benefit from the TCT program receiving ₱500 per month for two months.

Source: Manila Bulletin