KORONADAL CITY (Nov. 10) – Thousands of in need residents across the region have been served under the government’s emergency assistance, the head of Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Field Office No. XII (DSWD FO XII) reported Tuesday, noting the agency spent more than P180 million since January this year.

Cezario Joel Espejo, regional director, was referring to the agency’s support to individuals in crisis situations (AICS), a measure that serves as a social safety net or a stop-gap measure to support the recovery of individuals and families suffering from unexpected life events or crisis.

Citing latest figures, Dir. Espejo said at least P155.6 million have been used by the agency for medical assistance; P18.2 Million for funeral support; and P6.4 Million for financial assistance to those who lost their homes in fire accidents.

Moreover, 65,428 boxes of family food packs worth P31.7 million were distributed to in need families in the last nine months this year.

“Immediate help is necessary. The government is committed to standing with the people to help them when disasters strike,” Dir. Espejo said.

“I thank our partners in the local government units for their never-ending support to our field workers in executing our programs,” Dir. Espejo added.

Just last week, around 300 families in the villages of Dadiangas West and South of General Santos City were provided each P3,000 emergency cash assistance and a box of family food packs.

Aside from financial and food assistance, the agency, on the frontline of government social services, also provides medical, educational, burial, and transportation assistance under AICS, specifically those belonging to the informal sector and other poor, marginalized, vulnerable, and disadvantaged individuals. (JBM / DSWD)