The Department of the Interior and Local Government-Cordillera urged local government units to extend support to the Department of Social Welfare and Development to ensure an orderly distribution of educational assistance to qualified beneficiaries under the agency’s Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situation (AICS).
“We are urging our LGUs to provide manpower support in facilitating the orderly distribution of financial assistance and to provide fixed venues, vehicles, sound systems, and other logistics support where the AICS distribution in cities and municipalities can be conveniently done,” said DILG-Cordillera Director Araceli San Jose.
San Jose also reminded the LGUs to help the DSWD in the dissemination of information on the AICS, its process, beneficiaries, and pay-out schedules.
“Our LGUs, DSWD, Philippine National Police, and the DILG should coordinate with each other for the designation of additional distribution areas, if needed, to prevent overcrowding and mobility issues and to ensure observance of health protocols,” she said.
She also urged the LGUs to provide assistance in the conduct of special educational assistance pay-out at strategic venues, in geographically isolated and disadvantaged areas.
“Likewise, I encourage our LGUs to continue to implement their best practices in financial assistance distribution. Similarly, the PNP is responsible for providing security and maintaining law and order during the implementation of AICS programs and activities, as well as ensuring the safety and security of all government personnel and AICS clients at all times,” she said.
San Jose reminded the LGUs to enforce strict adherence to minimum public health standards as much as possible because the country is still dealing with Covid-19 and the threat of monkeypox.
“To our beneficiaries, I also encourage you to cooperate and adhere to the guidelines set by the DSWD, DILG, and your LGU to ensure a more organized distribution of cash aid,” she said.
The AICS, which is administered by the DSWD, provides protective services for vulnerable families, such as educational assistance to help defray the cost of tuition and other school expenses.
Elementary pupils from low-income families will receive P1,000; high school students, P2,000; senior high school students, P3,000; and college students will receive P4,000. – Pamela Geminiano