Caraga: A total of 483,297 individuals in the Caraga Region received assistance through the Department of Social Welfare and Development's (DSWD) leading programs in 2025. In a statement on Thursday, the DSWD-13 revealed that PHP2.4 billion in aid had been distributed to beneficiaries under these initiatives.

According to Philippines News Agency, the Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situation (AICS) program alone supported approximately 380,625 clients last year, with aid releases amounting to PHP1.93 billion. This assistance addressed various urgent needs, including medical, funeral, transportation, food, and cash relief support. The total number of beneficiaries served reached 256.21 percent of the agency's 148,557 annual target.

Under the Ayuda para sa Kapos ang Kita Program (AKAP), 81,867 low-income residents in the region, particularly those affected by inflation and economic vulnerabilities, received total releases of PHP310.67 million. Additionally, services in Malasakit Centers catered to the medical and financial needs of 20,805 indigent and vulnerable patients, with aid amounting to PHP79 million.

Of the total assistance released to beneficiaries last year, medical assistance accounted for the largest share, amounting to PHP1.15 billion. This was followed by cash relief assistance totaling PHP976.38 million and funeral assistance totaling PHP183.28 million. Transportation assistance totaled PHP3.03 million, food assistance amounted to PHP5.59 million, and educational support reached PHP901,150.

DSWD-13 Director Mari-Flor Dollaga emphasized the agency's commitment to ensuring that individuals and families in crisis receive timely and appropriate assistance, particularly those who are most vulnerable.