The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) assured the public that long-term assistance remains available for Filipinos affected by ongoing economic challenges, as Secretary Rex Gatchalian highlighted the agency’s sustained support mechanisms during the Kapihan ng Samahang Plaridel on Friday, March 27

Responding to concerns about extended aid should the current crisis persist, Gatchalian emphasized that the DSWD’s Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situation (AICS) program serves as a continuing safety net beyond emergency interventions.

“We have a mainstay program… Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situations (AICS). Hindi naman po yan nangyari lang dahil dito sa krisis,” he said.

Gatchalian explained that the AICS program is open to all Filipinos facing various forms of hardship, regardless of economic status or sector.

“Lahat ng mamamayan natin, whether may kaya ka o wala kang kaya, basta may krisis kang pinagdaraanan… pwede kang pumunta sa any office ng DSWD at nandoon ang mga social worker natin para tingnan kung paano makakatulong,” he added.

The DSWD chief noted that while targeted cash assistance is currently being distributed to public utility vehicle (PUV) drivers affected by rising fuel costs, programs like AICS ensure that broader, long-term support remains accessible to individuals and families in crisis situations.