Masbate: The new satellite office of the Department of Social Welfare and Development's (DSWD) Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situations (AICS) program, which opened Tuesday in Masbate, is now ready to serve residents of island towns. DSWD-Bicol Regional Director Norman Laurio, who led the inauguration of the CIS-AICS satellite office at the Claveria Municipal Hall compound, said the initiative aligns with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.'s directives to assist Filipinos in times of emergency.

According to Philippines News agency, the new AICS satellite office will help Bicolanos have improved access to government services, reducing the time and expenses incurred during emergencies. Residents of Burias Island, previously required to travel across the sea for these services, can now access them locally. Laurio stated that this additional office marks the 13th AICS facility in the region, offering diverse services to Bicolanos.

Existing AICS satellite offices are located in the cities of Naga and Iriga, and the town of Tigaon, in Camarines Sur; Labo and Daet in Camarines Norte; Irosin and Sorsogon City in Sorsogon; and in the province of Catanduanes. Additional offices operate in San Jacinto, Cataingan, and Masbate City in Masbate province, along with a satellite office in Legazpi City, Albay.

Laurio highlighted that over 85,300 residents of Burias Island, including those in San Pascual and Claveria in Masbate province, can now access programs such as medical, cash, and funeral assistance. The office also offers the digital WiSupport program, providing technical assistance for psychosocial support and psychological first aid from social workers.

Laurio stressed the significance of expanding service access in island municipalities, aligning with the DSWD's mission to bring government support closer to those in need. In 2025, a total of 3,938 clients from the two municipalities were served through various satellite offices.