Manila: Close to 1 million Filipinos in need have received medical help from the Department of Social Welfare and Development's (DSWD) Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situation (AICS) in the first half of 2025.
According to Philippines News Agency, the agency reported that a total of 953,560 clients were assisted by its Operations Group Crisis Intervention Unit (CIU) with more than PHP8.5 billion in medical aid from January to June. A majority of the clients, 670,825, secured medical aid in outright cash assistance, while 282,735 clients received guarantee letters (GLs) to cover hospitalization costs, medicine, and diagnostic procedures.
Outright cash aid can reach up to PHP10,000, while GLs are issued to help clients settle hospital bills or purchase maintenance medicines. The DSWD also reported that 88,082 clients were served through Malasakit Centers located in public hospitals.
Assistant Secretary Irene Dumlao expressed satisfaction with the agency's efforts, stating, "We are happy to serve a lot of people because it is our mandate to reach out to fellow Filipinos in need. This is also in line with the directives of President Marcos, because for him, every life is precious." The DSWD spokesperson emphasized the importance of the AICS program in providing financial relief to Filipinos struggling with medical costs.
Dumlao explained that sudden illnesses or medical emergencies could financially devastate families. The AICS program provides crucial support, allowing families to access necessary medical services and interventions. Each client undergoes a thorough assessment by social workers to determine the appropriate amount of assistance, whether for maintenance medicines or crucial medical treatments.
Among the beneficiaries of the AICS was Mary Rose Hermosure from Tondo, Manila, who received a GL amounting to PHP300,000 for her mother's hospital bill. She praised the professional and swift assessment process she experienced at the DSWD.
Another success story from the program is the case of baby Audria, an 18-month-old diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia. Her father, Andy Paul Argao, credited the DSWD's financial support for the successful progress in Audria's chemotherapy, noting significant improvement in her condition.
Since its inception in 2014, the DSWD's AICS medical assistance program has served more than 8.5 million clients, continuing to be a vital support system for Filipinos in medical crises.
