Manila: Lawmakers in the bicameral conference committee on the proposed 2026 General Appropriations Bill (GAB) have decided to increase funding for the Department of Social Welfare and Development's (DSWD) Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situation (AICS). This decision was made in response to the growing impact of natural disasters, poverty, and expanded social protection mandates.

According to Philippines News Agency, Senator Erwin Tulfo highlighted concerns regarding the reduced allocation for AICS during the bicameral deliberations. He warned that the fund often runs out before the end of the year due to continuous calamities and expanded benefits mandated by law, such as burial assistance for indigent families. Tulfo, a former DSWD secretary, noted that AICS funds are typically depleted by October or November, forcing the department to request additional funds from the Quick Response Fund (QRF), which delays assistance to affected communities.

Senate Committee on Finance Chairperson Sherwin Gatchalian emphasized the scale of recent disasters, which have displaced millions of Filipinos, underscoring the need for stronger social protection funding. Gatchalian pointed out that even in the absence of typhoons, shear lines and monsoon rains have caused significant damage and displacement, necessitating immediate government support.

House Committee on Appropriations Chairperson Rep. Mikaela Angela Suansing cited a letter from DSWD Secretary Rex Gatchalian requesting an increase in AICS funding from PHP27 billion under the National Expenditure Program (NEP) to PHP70 billion to sustain support for around seven million beneficiaries. Suansing noted that only PHP32 billion of the PHP43 billion requested was accommodated in the House GAB, leaving an 11-billion-peso gap from the department's original request.

During the deliberations, concerns were raised about the removal of unprogrammed appropriations, including the SAGIP mechanism, which would leave DSWD without a fallback source to augment AICS if funds run short in 2026. This further strengthened the case for higher programmed appropriations.

Following the discussions, Suansing proposed setting AICS funding at PHP63.89 billion, garnering support from both Senate and House members. Rep. Rufus Rodriguez expressed his support, stating that the increased funding would be implemented efficiently by Secretary Rex Gatchalian. The bicameral panel subsequently approved the motion to adopt the House proposal on AICS funding.