Caraga: The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) 13 (Caraga Region) reported on Thursday that 50,809 clients across the region were served in the first quarter of this year through the Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situations (AICS) program.

According to Philippines News Agency, the DSWD-13 highlighted that a total of PHP374 million in AICS funds were released to beneficiaries. Medical assistance emerged as the most availed service, benefiting 45,044 individuals and resulting in PHP319.6 million disbursed. The remaining beneficiaries received support in the form of funeral assistance and cash relief.

Data also showed that the majority of beneficiaries were from Agusan del Norte (17,366), Surigao del Sur (15,560), Agusan del Sur (9,207), Surigao del Norte (7,381), and Dinagat Islands (1,295). Agusan del Norte recorded the highest number of clients served, followed by Surigao del Sur, Agusan del Sur, Surigao del Norte, and Dinagat Islands. Additional assistance was extended to clients from other provinces in special cases.

Last March, a resident named Divino, from Santiago, Agusan del Norte, received medical aid through AICS. He shared the program's impact, stating, "We could no longer cope with the remaining hospital needs for my son. I am thankful that through the AICS program, we were able to buy the needed medicines and settle the remaining balance for the hospitalization."

Nelly, a beneficiary from Bunawan, Agusan del Sur, also expressed gratitude for the AICS program, which helped her family manage funeral expenses for her mother last February. She recounted how a local official suggested seeking AICS assistance when they faced financial constraints for the burial.

The AICS program serves as a social safety net, providing immediate assistance to individuals and families in crisis situations.