Quezon city: The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) has assured the public that lining up early is no longer necessary for those seeking assistance with the expansion of the Crisis Intervention Unit (CIU) at the DSWD's Commonwealth Satellite Office in Quezon City. The CIU satellite office at Paragon Place along Commonwealth Avenue now operates in a larger, three-story, fully air-conditioned facility serving as a central hub for the DSWD's Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situations (AICS) program.
According to Philippines News Agency, in a radio interview, DSWD Secretary Rex Gatchalian said the upgraded space was designed to make transactions faster, more orderly, and more comfortable for beneficiaries. Gatchalian emphasized that early arrival is no longer necessary as the streamlined process allows for efficient service throughout the day.
To prevent overcrowding, a daily cap of 1,400 clients has been set. Those who arrive beyond the cutoff are issued a QR code indicating a scheduled return date, ensuring a guaranteed slot without the need to queue overnight. Gatchalian explained that having a QR code assures beneficiaries of their slot regardless of the time of arrival.
He also addressed concerns over past congestion at the DSWD's Field Office - National Capital Region (NCR) in Sampaloc, Manila, explaining that the buildup occurred when offsite payouts had not yet resumed due to the pending release of budget guidelines at the start of the year. Offsite payouts have since restarted, with FO-NCR teams deploying directly to barangays and covered courts to bring assistance closer to beneficiaries and ease foot traffic in offices.
At the same time, Gatchalian reiterated a strict policy against conducting payouts in the presence of politicians, political staff, or campaign materials to protect the integrity of assistance programs. He stated that FO personnel have been instructed to withhold deployment or withdraw from any site where a politician is present, ensuring that government assistance remains free from political interference while guaranteeing orderly and dignified service to beneficiaries.
