Quezon city: The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) has deployed more social workers and support personnel to the new processing center for its Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situation (AICS) program, reinforcing efforts to provide faster and more efficient service to thousands of Filipinos in crisis and who are seeking aid each day.

According to Philippines News Agency, the DSWD transferred the AICS processing center from the agency's Central Office in Batasan to the Commonwealth Satellite Office in Paragon Place, Quezon City on July 31 to provide a more comfortable and accessible venue for beneficiaries. Assistant Secretary Juan Carlo Marquez, the DSWD's co-spokesperson, stated that the additional personnel ensure that clients can be properly assisted at the new processing center.

Marquez explained, "We deployed more social workers to conduct interviews and assessment. Our new processing center can accommodate 1,000 individuals at a given time. We can assist more persons in one day at a more convenient place." The DSWD is also implementing measures to reduce waiting time by streamlining procedures.

The process, which previously involved five steps, has now been reduced to three steps: securing a queue number, interview and assessment by social workers, and release of assistance. Marquez emphasized that these reforms are part of Secretary Rex Gatchalian's directive to ensure efficient delivery of assistance while upholding the comfort and dignity of clients undergoing difficult times.