Bacolod: The Department of Social Welfare and Development-Negros Island Region (DSWD-NIR) has disbursed PHP822.388 million to 237,052 clients in the region under the Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situation (AICS) program from January to October this year, recent data revealed.

According to Philippines News Agency, the AICS program continues to provide crucial assistance to individuals and families in need of medical, food, education, transportation, burial, and cash relief. The DSWD-NIR emphasized their ongoing commitment to offering timely support through these services.

Negros Occidental received the largest portion of the assistance, amounting to PHP418.209 million for 142,136 clients as of October 1. The breakdown includes PHP84.928 million for medical assistance to 3,208 clients, PHP330.962 million in food assistance for 138,738 clients, PHP2.222 million in funeral assistance for 173 clients, PHP86,000 in cash relief for 16 clients, and PHP10,000 in transportation assistance for a single beneficiary.

In Negros Oriental, PHP351.493 million was allocated for 83,637 beneficiaries. This included PHP58.7 million for medical assistance to 5,092 clients, PHP40.207 million for food assistance to 9,585 clients, PHP933,500 for funeral assistance to 1,638 clients, PHP251.641 million in cash relief for 67,321 clients, and PHP10,000 for educational assistance to one beneficiary.

As of October 10, Siquijor received PHP52.648 million for 11,279 clients. Medical assistance was provided to 3,792 clients at a cost of PHP18.138 million, food assistance to 1,233 clients for PHP5.039 million, funeral assistance to 342 clients costing PHP6.764 million, cash relief to 5,911 clients totaling PHP22.733 million, and educational assistance to one beneficiary for PHP10,000.

The AICS program provides a range of support services. Medical assistance covers expenses such as hospitalization, medications, and treatments. Funeral assistance includes costs associated with funeral services and related expenses. Transportation assistance aids in travel costs for various urgent needs. Educational assistance helps cover school-related expenses for students in crisis. Food assistance supports basic sustenance needs, while cash assistance offers direct financial support for needs not covered by other services.