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dswd drmb disaster response management bureau

DSWD Disaster Response Management Bureau Operations

The DSWD Disaster Response Management Bureau (DRMB) is responsible for the overall management of disaster response and relief operations. The DRMB coordinates with other government agencies and nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) in the relief and rehabilitation efforts.

The DSWD provides social welfare services for all disadvantaged sectors of society, including those who are affected by disasters. The DSWD Disaster Response and Management Bureau is the lead government agency that provides emergency assistance to disaster victims.

The bureau has a lot of experience providing social services during calamities and man-made disasters such as fire, floods, volcanic eruptions and earthquakes. If you or know anyone who requires emergency assistance from the DSWD, make sure to have this guide on hand. Keep on reading to learn more.

What is DSWD Disaster Response Management Bureau Operations?

The Disaster Response and Management Bureau (DRMB) of the Department of Social Welfare and Development is mandated to lead disaster response by implementing, coordinating, and synchronizing disaster management programs for victims.

History

The DRMB was established as a result of the merging of the various divisions of the DSWD’s Protective Services Bureau. The former’s Division 3 was tasked with monitoring and carrying out disaster management operations.

The four-member DRMB was composed of a Disaster Response, Preparedness, Rehabilitation, and Information Center (DROMIC). It has 20 staff members and is focused on carrying out disaster response operations. Other tasks include camp management and coordination, food and non-food items distribution, and IDP protection.

The DRMB’s program activities include providing emergency shelter assistance, cash-for-work programs, and food packs for families. It also coordinated the distribution of non-food items and IDP protection.

In 2012, a memorandum circular was issued by the DSWD that placed the disaster response portfolio of the agency under the Protective Services Bureau’s Risk Reduction and Management division. As the number of disasters increased, so did the scope and tasks of the division.

In the same year, an amendment was made to the memorandum circular, which created a separate division within the DSWD to handle the various tasks and activities of the DRMB. This new office, known as the DRRROO, was tasked with handling the warehouse management and donation facilitation division.

The DRMB is committed to improving the disaster response capabilities of its members. This includes developing effective communication and information systems, as well as taking action in anticipation of events.

The various operational policies and guidelines of the DRMB have an impact on the effectiveness of the agency’s disaster response operations. As a result, the DRMB should regularly engage with its stakeholders to develop regulations and procedures that will help improve the efficiency of the disaster response.

In addition, the DRMB should also develop policies and procedures that will help improve the efficiency of its emergency response operations, such as the establishment of systems and procedures for the emergency cash transfer.

Due to the increasing scope of the agency’s work, the DRMB should also consider the creation of additional plantilla positions to accommodate the growing number of employees. The right-sizing of its human talent is of utmost importance as it allows the agency to retain and attract the best and most experienced individuals. In addition, the development of its organizational template and staff should be prioritized.

Functions and Responsibilities

The bureau’s main functions are:

to recommend policies and programs for disaster response management.
to lead in the planning, coordination and monitoring of all disaster-related efforts as per Republic Act 10121, also known as the National Disaster Risk Reduction & Management Following this are his key objectives which include disaster preparedness, mitigation, recovery and rehabilitation.

Specific Functions

Develop and enhance operational guidelines along disaster risk reduction and management and special concerns to ensure smooth implementation in the Field Offices/LGUs and intermediaries;
Translate and adopt international/global standards to local disaster management situations.
Plan and coordinate international, national and local assistance efforts in relation to the DSWD function as the lead agency of the Food and Non-Food Cluster, Camp Coordination and Management Cluster, Protection, Shelter and Livelihood Cluster;
Provide technical assistance and resource augmentation to DSWD Field Offices and other intermediaries for the implementation or management of disaster operations;
Adhere to and adopt universal norms, principles and standards of humanitarian assistance;
Enhance existing procedures, structures and mechanisms on disaster data management and information dissemination;
Study and assess the need of the Field Offices and recommend allocation of program funds and augmentation support for LG Us and other intermediaries;
Act as the Secretariat for a focal point for the inter-agency, inter-cluster, and inter-country coordination efforts along disaster management and special concerns; and
Coordinate and liaise with the DROMIC for disaster response operations information.

As the task of coordinating, managing, and implementing programs and services, the bureau is expected to deliver results in the following areas:

Technical Assistance and Resource Augmentation to DSWD Field Offices
DRRM operational policy development
Disaster Information Management
Response Pillar/Thematic Area Coordination

Disaster Response Clusters

The bureau operates through its various disaster response clusters:

Camp Coordination and Camp Management (CCCM) Cluster: The Cluster has specific objectives: to ensure the designation of camp managers and leaders; to ensure that temporary refuge to individual and families potentially at risk or in actual danger are immediately provided; to ensure the establishment of accurate sex and age disaggregated data, e.g. listing and profiling of internally displaced persons (IDPs) in evacuation centers or transitional shelters; to ensure that all IDPs in evacuation centers are provided with basic humanitarian needs compliant with SPHERE standards such as, but not limited to food with enough nutritional values, potable water, clothing, family items, hygiene kits and other essential non-food items.”

Moreover, it ensures the establishment of medical stations with available medicines and medical personnel, by providing electricity at evacuation centers 24/7, and seeing to it that communication facilities are in place, evacuation centers are off limits and have designated areas for pet animals, livestock and security personnel are present in the evacuation centers 24/7. To continue to seek opportunities for recovery, rehabilitation and developmental tasks as post response activities are undertaken, in case of prolonged stay.

Food and Non-Food Cluster (FNI) Cluster: This cluster contributes towards saving lives by providing food and non-food items to the affected populations in the short-term and restoring pre-disaster levels of food security in the most severely affected areas in the long term.

Internally Displaced Population (IDP) Protection Cluster: This cluster is a focal point for efforts to promote the protection of IDPs. It aims to support and enhance the Government’s capacity to ensure that protection issues do not arise in emergency situations and to respond and mitigate the effect of any protection issues that do arise.

Disaster Preparedness for Response Cluster: This cluster plans and coordinates the DSWD’s disaster preparedness efforts. Its mission is to ensure that DSWD has a comprehensive and coherent approach in addressing disasters. The DPRC leads in the planning, coordinating, monitoring and evaluating of all DRRM efforts of the department. It also conducts capacity building for the DSWD and LGU staff, which includes developing their capacity to respond to disasters through education and training activities.

Moreover, it aims to reinforce respondents’ capacity in effectively managing various psycho-social support services. It will also augment the skills in pre-positioning of logistics and resources, camp coordination and management, and strengthening partnerships with GOs, NGOs & LGUs.

List of Programs and Services

Here are the major programs and services of the DSWD-DRRM Bureau:

Across the bureau and its several clusters, here is a list of the programs the DSWD has in place to prepare for and address natural disasters:

Comprehensive Emergency Program for Children (CEPC)

On May 18, 2016, the Philippines Government enacted Republic Act 10821, which provides for the protection and relief of children during and after natural disasters and other emergencies.

The Philippines’ primary policy is to protect and promote the rights of children in emergencies and disasters. This is evidenced by the country’s Declaration of Policy, which states that children have the right to be protected from harmful effects and circumstances that can endanger their survival. The law, known as RA 10821, is also referred to as the “Child’s Emergency Protection Act”.

The passage of Republic Act 10821 is regarded as pioneering and unique legislation that aims to improve the lives of children and adults in the country. It was the culmination of a series of consultations conducted with various stakeholder groups.

Despite the long process for the government to develop and implement the legislation, the consultations conducted with various stakeholder groups helped draft the bill.

Emergency Cash Transfer Operations Manual

The Emergency Cash Transfer Program (ECT) is an adaptive strategy that aims to bridge the gap between humanitarian assistance and immediate disaster relief by providing cash assistance to families affected by natural disasters and emergencies. Unlike other forms of aid, ECT is not an anticipatory response but a post-intervention intervention that provides cash transfers to families affected by shocks.

In major disasters, the needs of families are often varied. Their food and non-food items are needed to survive and provide for their well-being. In some cases, urgent needs are also identified such as the availability of medicines and health care. Besides these, other items such as wheelchairs and canes are also needed for people with disabilities and senior citizens.

People who have been affected by disasters usually need immediate assistance to repair their damaged houses and get back on their feet. While ECT is not replacing their regular income, it can help them meet their basic needs while they are still recovering from shocks and destruction.

ECT can also be partnered with the distribution of non-food items, such as food and non-alcoholic drinks, to help meet the needs of individuals and families. This strategy can be implemented when the local markets have not fully recovered and are still at the early stages of their operation.

ECT can also help reduce the administrative costs associated with distributing food by coordinating with the local markets. It can also help the beneficiaries buy goods from local producers. This strategy complements the cash transfers that ECT provides to families during the early recovery phase.

Various types of cash-for-work programs are also available, such as the Emergency Shelter Assistance, Cash-for-Work, and Cashfor-Training. These programs require proof of their outputs.

Emergency response and counseling (ECT) can be implemented in different disaster-stricken areas and can be provided to a family multiple times depending on the situation. However, this type of assistance is only available if the needs assessment is carried out.

The DSWD Secretary can activate the Emergency Cash Assistance program (ECT) when a state of calamity has been declared. However, this program only begins when the local markets in the affected areas are able to provide the necessary supplies to the affected population.

Two Phases of Support:

ECT provides both short-term and long-term assistance to help individuals and families recover from natural disasters. The aid program’s two phases are 1) relief assistance and 2) rehabilitation support. This support helps individuals and families get back on track and start to rebuild their lives.

ECT’s implementation depends on the rate of assistance that’s provided to the individuals and families affected by the disaster at each phase.

You may find a copy of the Emergency Cash Transfer Operations Manual here.

CCCM and Protection COVID-19 Operational Guidance

On March 8, 2020, President Rodrigo Duterte issued Proclamation 922, which declared a public health emergency in the Philippines. It prompted a comprehensive government response to the COVID-19 pandemic. A few months later, he issued Proclamation 929, which placed the country under a state of calamity to contain the spread of the disease.

The number of people infected with the virus has already reached over 11,000. Although the disease is still active, the country is still exposed to various hazards such as earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, tsunamis, and hydro-meteorological phenomena. Due to the effects of these natural disasters, the displacement of people in affected areas is an inevitable consequence.

The displacement of people, especially those residing in camps and temporary shelters, can expose them to various vulnerabilities. These include limited access to basic services. During the COVID-19 pandemic, this vulnerability became more apparent.

It is, therefore, important that the government and its agencies have the necessary resources and strategies to address the needs of the displaced during the COVID-19 pandemic. This can be done by establishing effective and resilient camps and evacuation centers. Although establishing these facilities is an option, they are also important to be managed properly to protect the camp management personnel and the IDPs.

This document aims to provide an operational guide for protecting the camp management personnel and the individuals affected by the outbreak. It is also intended for those who are involved in the planning and implementation of the response activities.

You may find a copy of the CCCM and Protection COVID-19 Operational Guidance here.

Risk Resiliency Program 2020

The DSWD-DRMB is implementing the Risk Resiliency Program (RR) 2020. This program aims to strengthen the capacity of local government units, non-governmental organizations, and other stakeholders in responding to disasters.

A key component of RR 2020 is the Regional Disaster Planning and Response Coordination Mechanism (RDPRCM). The RDPRCM is composed of all local government units that are vulnerable to disasters as well as key partners such as DSWD-DRMB, DOH-DOST, LGU-LGU Councils on Health and Nutrition (COSHN), Local Health Offices (LHOs), Civil Defense Office (CDO), Bureau of Fire Protection

DRRM Programs, Activities, and Projects

Humanitarian Relief Assistance – This project seeks to provide disaster-affected families with Food and Non-Food Items (FNFI), which include Family Food Packs (FFPs) consisting of 6 kilos of rice, four tin cans of sardines, four tin cans of corned beef, and six sachets of instant coffee/powdered cereal drink; Each pack is good for two days for a family of 5 members. It also aims to provide other essential needs such as mats, blankets, tarpaulins, hygiene kits and clothing for the affected families.

Construction of Bunkhouses or Temporary Shelters – This project focuses on providing temporary or transition shelters to meet the immediate needs of families displaced by massive casualties and destruction of their homes and communities in the aftermath of a major disaster or crisis. Temporary or transitional shelters are constructed with locally available construction materials. They can be created within a short period to provide relief and support to families until they can repair their damaged structures or rebuild new ones.

Emergency Shelter Assistance (ESA) – This is a program for family-victims of disasters whose houses are either totally or partially damaged. The per capita assistance will range from ₱10,000 to ₱30,000/family and depends on the necessity of assistance as well as the type of disaster.

Modified Shelter Assistance – The program will provide financial or material aid(or both) to augment the resources of family victims of disasters with a modified design adaptable to the socio-cultural background of the project recipients. The rate ranges from ₱70,000.00/family.

Core Shelter Assistance Program (CSAP) – The provision of environment-friendly, structurally strong shelter units that can withstand up to 220 kph wind velocity, earthquakes up to intensity 4 of the Richter scale and other similar natural hazards in relocation sites provided by the national or local government units using locally available materials to revitalize local economy. The rate ranges from ₱160,000.00/family.

Online ServicesCash-for-Work (CFW) / Food-for-Work (FFW) – In order to help families recover from the disaster, the Government is providing them with temporary jobs and cash or food assistance in exchange for community works and trainings participated in, either along the Disaster Mitigation, Preparedness, Response, or Early Recovery and Rehabilitation phases. The rate is equivalent to 75% of the regional minimum wage of the covered regions based on the latest prescribed rates set by DOLE-NWPC. Maximum 15 days engagement. However, the number of days for extension varies based on the work component to be undertaken.

Online Services

Virtual OpCenter – DROMIC is part of the Disaster Response Management Bureau (DRMB), a division within the Department of Social Welfare and Development.

This platform is a web-based application that allows the public to access information, request assistance and disseminate messages during disasters. It is also used by local government units (LGUs), nongovernment organizations (NGOs), and other agencies in their respective jurisdictions as a tool for disaster response management. The DROMIC platform has been operational since May 2015 and has been tested extensively during the recent typhoons that hit the country.

DREAMB e-reklamo system – This is the DSWD-DREAMB’s complaints management ticket system. The main purpose for implementing this ticket system is to manage related complaints regarding our services and to provide you a better service. Every complaint will be assigned a unique ticket number, through which you can track the progress and responses online. For your reference, the platform provides complete archives and a history of all your complaints and their resolution. A valid email address is required to use this system.

Infographics

Here are some photos of the DSWD disaster response to learn more about this department:

Frequently Asked Questions

Got questions about the DSWD DRMB? We’ve got them covered here:

1. What is the role of DSWD in disaster response?

The DSWD is expected to provide effective leadership and coordination during times of disaster. It is also expected to quickly mobilize and deliver necessary resources for the response. In the case of disasters that affect a specific region, the agency’s local counterparts should be able to provide immediate assistance.

2. What is the expected role of the DSWD in DRRM implementation?

The objective of this project is to raise public awareness about the importance of Disaster Risk Reduction Management (DRRM) and provide livelihood opportunities to vulnerable communities and families. Through skills training, participants can improve their chances of surviving and recovering from disasters.

3. What government agencies are involved in disaster management in the Philippines?

The various government agencies that are part of the National Disaster Framework include the Bureau of Fire Protection, the Department of Interior and Local Government, the Philippine National Police, and the NTC. A new organization focused on the commercial and amateur radio industry was also established on Oct 4, 2022.

4. What government agencies are involved in disaster management?

These are government agencies that monitor and manage the activities of government agencies and organizations involved in disaster response and recovery. These include the National Disaster Risk Reduction Management Council and PAGASA.

5. How does the government handle disaster preparedness and management Philippines?

In order to prepare for emergencies, local governments can utilize geomapping technology to create evacuation routes and develop disaster-proof facilities.

6. Why is government assistance important in disaster?

The government’s primary objective is to strengthen its resource assurance framework. This includes supporting the development and implementation of disaster reduction programs.

7. What needs to be done to support these activities of DRMB?

To support the activities of the Disaster Risk Reduction Management (DRRM), we must follow the instructions given by the government. This includes identifying and assessing the risk of disasters, developing a disaster risk management strategy, and integrating the program into the national development framework.

8. How does your LGU Local Government Unit execute the implementation about disaster risk management?

The local government unit (LGU) is responsible for ensuring that its residents are aware of the risks associated with natural disasters and that it can effectively implement effective disaster mitigation measures. It should also conduct an education campaign about the importance of preparing for emergencies.

Video: DSWD ready to provide relief to storm victims | ANC

The past few months have seen many storms wreak havoc in the country, but it is the recent super typhoon that has left thousands of people without homes and livelihoods. The government has been quick to respond to this threat through the DSWD-DRMB, saying that they are ready to provide relief to storm victims.

In this video, the DSWD spokesperson also provides an update on what the department has done to prepare for the series of storms and calamities that are expected to hit the country since mid-year or the monsoon season in the Philippines.

Summary

The DSWD through its Disaster Response and Management Bureau (DRMB), has been at the forefront of the government’s disaster response efforts. The agency is tasked with coordinating the delivery of relief services to disaster victims and helping them recover from their losses.

As a tropical country, where typhoons are prone to occur, the DSWD is always prepared for storms and other calamities. The agency has been providing relief assistance to disaster victims as early as 24 hours after a storm hits.

We hope that you’ve learned something from this article. If you have any questions or comments, please leave them at the bottom of this page.

DISCLAIMER: This post is only intended to inform and provide general information. If you have any questions about the issues discussed in this post or any other legal matter, feel free to reach out to the DSWD-DRMB through the following contact details.

Contact Information

DSWD Disaster Response Operations
Address: Batasan Rd, Quezon City, Metro Manila
Telephone Number: 3522427
Email: dreamb@dswd.gov.ph
Website: http://dreamb.dswd.gov.ph/
Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/DRMBOfficial

Google Map Location

dswd death and burial cash assistance application

How to Apply DSWD Death and Burial Assistance Cash Aid

The death of a loved one is always a difficult time. But it can be even more difficult when you’re struggling to cover the funeral’s costs financially. Thankfully, the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) offers death and burial assistance to help ease the burden.

The DSWD Death Assistance or DSWD Burial Assistance is a cash aid grant that aims to assist indigent families with funeral expenses. It is part of the Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situations and it is available to all Filipino citizens, regardless of age, gender, or religion. To apply, you will first need to be qualified for the program.

Also Read: How to Apply DSWD Educational Assistance Cash Aid

The post will go over what is needed for a person to apply for said assistance and what the benefits are should one be approved. It’ll also touch on how much DSWD buries an individual and what it covers funeral-wise so that families know exactly what they’re getting into before making an application. Hopefully, this post will provide some much-needed clarity during a difficult time.

What Is DSWD Death And Burial Assistance

The Death and Burial Assistance program is a Social Amelioration Program of the Department of Social Welfare and Development. It provides financial aid to low-income families for the burial expenses of their deceased loved ones. The program is for needy Filipino citizens who die due to natural causes, such as illness, and not due to violence or crime.

The assistance is in the form of a cash grant that can be used to cover funeral expenses such as the cost of the coffin, transport, food, and other related expenses. To be eligible for this assistance, applicants must be residents of the Philippines and provide proof of indigence or poverty. They must also provide proof of the individual’s death, such as a death certificate or obituary notice.

The DSWD Death and Burial Assistance is one way that the government supports those struggling to make ends meet. It helps to ease the burden of funeral costs and allows families to focus on grieving during this difficult time.

What Are The Benefits Death and Burial Assistance from DSWD

The DSWD Death and Burial Assistance Program provides a one-time payment of PHP 10,000 to help with funeral expenses. This can be used for items such as a casket, funeral services, wake, burial plot, interment fees, transportation, etc.

What Are The Requirements for Death and Burial Assistance from DSWD

One of the requirements for DSWD death and burial assistance is a death certificate. This should be obtained from the hospital or doctor who pronounced the death. A certificate from the imam is also required if the deceased is a Muslim.
The funeral contract is another requirement for DSWD death and burial assistance. This document outlines the arrangements made for the funeral, including the date, time, place, and cost. It should be signed by both the funeral home and the deceased’s family.
A statement of account from the funeral home is also required. This document itemizes the costs associated with the funeral arrangements.
In addition, a certificate from the barangay is needed to apply for DSWD death and burial assistance. This document certifies that the deceased was a resident of the barangay and that their bereaved family members are also indigent residents. A transfer permit from their previous barangay is also required for those who died outside of their residence. For deaths due to COVID-19, a quarantine permit from their place of isolation is needed instead of a transfer permit.
A promissory note may also be required in cases where there are remaining expenses after DSWD death and burial assistance have been paid out. This document signifies that the bereaved family agrees to repay any remaining balance within six months from the date of the release of funds.
Lastly, a social case study report (SCSR) prepared by a trained social worker is needed to assess eligibility for other forms of social protection services provided by DSWD.

How To Process the Death/Burial Assistance Program

Please follow these simple steps in terms of the procedure for getting death and burial assistance from DSWD:

Step 1: Screening – Screening is the first step in applying for the DSWD Death/Burial Assistance Program. During this phase, you will be required to submit certain documents so the agency can determine if you are eligible for assistance.

Step2: Assessment – The social worker will ask for basic information about the deceased and the family’s socio-economic status. Once the social worker has the necessary information, they will determine if the family is eligible for the program.

Step 3: Payout – The final step is the payout, which a Cashier does. The Cashier will issue a check to the authorized representative of the family, who can then use it to pay for funeral expenses.

Video: REQUIREMENTS 2022 FOR MEDICAL/HOSPITALIZATION, BURIAL, AND EDUCATIONAL ASSISTANCE

This video is all about the different requirements that the Department of Social Welfare and Development has for those who need medical assistance, hospitalization, or burial services and those who need help with their education. If you need any of these services, be sure to watch this video to know exactly what you need to do to get the help you need.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some FAQs about the burial assistance program and death assistance from DSWD:

1. Where Can I Get Burial Assistance In The Philippines?

In the Philippines, several government-run programs provide financial assistance for burial expenses. The most well-known of these is the Department of Social Welfare and Development’s (DSWD) funeral assistance program. Under this program, eligible indigent families can receive up to PHP 10,000 to help cover funeral costs.

2. How Do I Avail DSWD Burial Assistance?

DSWD provides funeral and burial assistance to needy individuals through its various programs. To avail of this assistance, you will need to submit the following documents:

Funeral Agreement.
Certificate of Registered Death.
Transfer permission/Health clearance (for transfer of cadaver)
Letter of Referral (if applicable)
Certificate of Indigence from the Client’s Barangay.
Any legitimate client ID.

3. What Is Burial Assistance?

Burial assistance is a type of financial assistance that helps cover the costs of a funeral. In the Philippines, burial assistance is provided by the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD). Assistance can be used to cover the costs of a coffin, transportation, food, and other expenses.

4. How Do I Claim Senior Death Benefits In The Philippines?

To claim senior death benefits in the Philippines, you must visit your nearest DSWD office. You will need to bring the deceased senior citizen’s identification card and death certificate. Only the beneficiary or the one who took care of the deceased can claim the benefits. Once at the office, you must fill out a form. After filling out the form, you will then be able to claim the benefits.

5. When Will I Receive The Death And Burial Financial Assistance”?

DSWD will release the death and burial financial assistance in one day if the amount is less than 10,000 PHP. If the amount is more than 10,000 PHP, DSWD will release the death and burial financial assistance in 3 to 5 days. DSWD will release the death and burial financial assistance through bank or cash.

6. Who Can I Call To Ask About The DSWD Death And Burial Assistance Program

If you are interested in learning more about this program, you can call the DSWD hotline at 0943 464 8026 or 0932 933 3251. The hotline is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and DSWD staff will be able to answer any questions you have about the program. You can also visit the DSWD website for more information.

7. What Are The Qualifications For The DSWD Death And Burial Assistance Program?

To be eligible for this program, you must meet the following criteria: The deceased must be a Filipino citizen.The death must have occurred in the Philippines.The family of the deceased must be indigent.The funeral must be held within seven days of the death.

8. How Much Does The DSWD Death And Burial Assistance Program Provide?

The DSWD provides up to 10,000 PHP for funeral expenses. This money can be used to cover the costs of a coffin, transportation, food, and other expenses.

9. What Are The Documents Needed For The DSWD Death And Burial Assistance Program?

To avail of this assistance, you will need to submit the following documents: Funeral Agreement, Certificate of Registered Death, Certificate of Indigence from the Client’s Barangay, Any legitimate client ID.

Summary

The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) provides death and burial assistance to the families of qualified beneficiaries. The program offers a maximum amount of PHP 10,000.00 for funeral expenses. Funeral assistance may be used to cover costs such as a casket, embalming, grave digging, flowers, and other related expenses.

The agency should be contacted as soon as possible after a family member’s death so they can provide financial assistance for the funeral. DSWD will also investigate to assess the family’s need for assistance. If you need death or burial assistance, please contact your local DSWD office.

What is DSWD AICS Program – Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situations

The DSWD offers various services and assistance to the Filipino people. One of these is the DSWD AICS Program, which stands for Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situation (AICS).

The DSWD AICS (Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situations) Program is one of the Philippine government’s initiatives to provide immediate and temporary assistance to individuals and families who are affected by crises.

With the crisis brought about by the pandemic, the DSWD AICS Program aims to provide essential services and assistance to those affected. The program is also intended for individuals who are in need of financial assistance due to catastrophic events and calamities, such as floods, landslides, typhoons, earthquakes, and volcanic eruptions. The DSWD AICS Program provides limited financial assistance to qualified applicants.

What is the program’s goals and objectives? Who will benefit from this program? What is the DSWD AICS Program’s eligibility criteria? How can one apply for the DSWD AICS Program? Let’s find out more about the program to answer these questions and more.

What is DSWD Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situations?

As the leader in social protection, the DSWD is mandated to provide the best possible service to the citizens. It is also responsible for addressing the various needs of the poor and vulnerable sectors of society. This includes implementing programs and projects aimed at improving the quality of life for the people, such as the Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situations (AICS), among others.

In 2014, the DSWD issued a memorandum circular aimed at improving the implementation of the Assistance to the Crisis Situations (AICS) program. This was followed by three other circulars in 2016. These documents provide guidelines on how to implement the program.

AICS is a stop-gap measure that provides financial, emotional, and psychosocial support to families and individuals who have experienced a crisis or unexpected life event. It can help them meet their basic needs in the form of food, transportation, medical, educational and burial assistance.

In 2019, the DSWD issued an amendment to the memorandum circular about the implementation of AICS. This document provides updated guidelines on how to implement the program.

The DSWD continuously provides various social protection and welfare services to the people. These include the AICS program to help individuals and families who have experienced a crisis or unexpected life event. It also supports the government’s social amelioration efforts to help the people affected by the COVID-19 outbreak.

Due to the declaration of a public health emergency in the Philippines, various community quarantine measures were implemented. This resulted in an increase in the number of people looking for assistance from the DSWD for various support services through cash aid.

The agency is expected to enhance the implementation of the AICS program in response to the increasing number of people who require support after experiencing a crisis or unexpected life event. This will allow them to access government services that are designed to help them recover.

In line with the guidelines provided in the memorandum circular, the agency will also consider the implementation of a new normal set-up for the AICS program. This new approach will be based on the protocols of the IATF-EID.

Benefits

The AICS can provide eligible individuals with the following monetary and material assistance:

Transportation Benefits

It is the assistance for the purchase or payment of transport (air/sea/land) tickets and/or expenses to enable the client/s to return to his/her/their home provinces permanently or seek further medical interventions in another place, or to attend to emergency concerns such as death, care, or other emergency or critical situations of family members, relatives, or other individuals in need. This includes those that require immediate presence, such as but not limited to attendance at a court hearing, the rescue of an abused relative, etc.

Note: The procured ticket shall be issued to the client unless in instances when giving outright cash is more convenient, as discussed in the section on Provision of Assistance under the Implementing Guidelines.

Medical Benefits

It is the assistance to help shoulder hospitalization expenses, cost of medicines, other medical treatment or procedures such as implants, laboratory procedures including but not limited to computerized tomography (CT) scan, electrocardiogram (ECG), echocardiogram (2D Echo), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and provision of assistive device. Other medical expenses, such as professional fees, may be covered.

Note: Birthing is not covered unless the patient suffered complications during delivery, subject to the social worker’s assessment. The client shall not be entitled to in-patient financial assistance except when the drug or treatment is unavailable in the hospital or covered by the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth).

Burial Benefits

It is the assistance to defray funeral and related expenses, including but not limited to expenses in bringing the remains to the residence of the deceased and/or burial site in accordance with existing customary practices of the family, especially among Indigenous peoples and Moros.

Note: Due to a disaster/calamity/critical events or circumstances similar to this where there are casualties in the family, the surviving family shall be given outright cash in the amount of P10,000 for each casualty without the need for a case study report.

Educational Benefits

A form of assistance given to eligible students to help defray school expenses and/or cost of sending students/children to schools, such as school fees, supplies, projects, allowance, and other related expenses, which will be provided once in a school/academic year for students, with priority to working students in public high school, vocational/ technological schools, state colleges, and universities.

A maximum of three (3) children per family shall be entitled to this assistance. However, this may be given to a student who, although not indigent, is assessed by the social worker to have an extreme need based on his/her family’s current condition, including victims of displacement and repatriated/deported Overseas Filipinos (OFs), among others.

Note: In no case shall this assistance be given to cover expenses for graduate and post-graduate studies.

Food Benefits

The provision of assistance to the client(s) in need would be provided up to a maximum of ten (10) days or an amount of at least P80.00 per meal per individual. It includes hot meals, food/meal allowance, or cash equivalent to the cost of the required hot meals and/or Food packs.

Eligible client(s) shall include those caring for sick relatives or relative/s in the hospital, the grantee(s) of transportation assistance on his/her/their return to their home province or attendance to court hearings, People Who Use Drugs (PWUD) and their families, rescued trafficked individuals, former rebels, distressed OFs, stranded individuals due to emergency situations (such as but not limited to, human-induced and natural calamities) and alike.

This assistance comes in the form of:

Immediate provision of food packs;
Cash equivalent to the cost of food packs; or
Voucher with monetary value

Cash assistance for other support services for victims of natural or man-made crisis or calamity, victims of domestic abuse, locally stranded individuals (LSIs) and other incidents

It is assistance in the form of outright cash provided to individuals and families in extremely difficult circumstances in which the need does not fall on the assistance mentioned above, such as but not limited to, a child victim of online sexual exploitation and other sexual abuse cases, families of KIA/WIA uniformed personnel (police and soldiers), repatriated or deported OFs, Persons Living with HIV, rescued individuals/families against abuse, family and children of PWUD, survivor-victims of violence against women and children, rebel returnees, victims of fire, armed conflict and other incidents/occurrence putting those affected in a crisis situation, as may be justified by the social worker or through a case consultation/conference.

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

Qualifications per AICS Program

Walk-in clients and referred clients who are in crisis situations based on the assessment of a social worker can apply for these benefits:

1. Medical Assistance:

Hospitalization
Cost of Medicines
Medical Treatment and Procedures
Other Medical Expenses

2. Educational Assistance:

Tuition Fees Augmentation
School Supplies
Transportation Expenses
Other School Expenses

3. Burial Assistance

Tuition Fees Augmentation
School Supplies
Transportation Expenses
Other School Expenses

4. Transportation Assistance

Tuition Fees Augmentation
School Supplies
Transportation Expenses
Other School Expenses

5. Food and Non-food Assistance

Immediate provision of food packs
Cash equivalent to the cost of food packs
Voucher with monetary value

6. Cash Assistance for Other Support Services

The provision of outright cash is provided to individuals and families in extremely difficult circumstances.

Requirements

1. For Medical Assistance:

Updated Clinical Abstract/Medical Certificate within three months with a signature above and license number of the doctor
An updated medical prescription with name, signature, and license number of the doctor
Laboratory Request/Medical Procedures/Treatment Protocol with name, signature and license number with date of the doctor;
Quotation official price
Update hospital bill (showing outstanding balance, name and signature of the billing clerk)
Social Case Study Report if the medical assistance is PHP 5, 000 and above
Barangay Certificate/Certificate of Indigent Client (address should be the same with the submitted valid ID and
Valid ID of the client with the same address to the submitted Barangay Certificate of Indigency with validation date

2. For Burial Assistance:

Funeral contract showing outstanding balance and breakdown of the service with name and signature of the funeral’s delegate
Original or Certified True Copy of Registered Death Certificate with registry number
Barangay Certificate/Certificate of Indigency of the client; valid ID of the client showing the same address with the Barangay Indigency
Permit to transfer (where the remains need to be moved)
Social Case Study (can be requested)
Promissory Note (if needed)
Referral Letter (if needed)

3. For Transportation Assistance:

Valid ID showing the same address of the Barangay Certificate with validation date and
Barangay Certificate/Certificate of Indigency of the client

4. For Educational Assistance:

Registration Form, School Assessment Form, Certificate of Enrollment with name and signature of the registrar
Validated school ID of the student
Updated statement of account showing the outstanding balance, name and signature of the accounting staff
Barangay Certificate/Certificate of Indigency of the client’s guardian
Valid ID of the client showing the same address to the Certificate of Enrollment
Social Case Study Report (can be requested)

How to Process DSWD AICS Benefits

If you are in need of assistance, the first step is to visit a DSWD Social Welfare and Development (SWAD) office or Crisis Intervention Unit (CIU).

Step 1: Visit the nearest DSWD office. Check if your local DSWD field office will require an appointment beforehand.

Step 2: Undergo a Screening from DSWD officers.

Step 3: Undergo an assessment based on your documents submitted.

Step 4: Releasing of cash assistance. Once you are qualified and your case is assessed, financial assistance will be provided to you.

Once you have been determined to be eligible, you will be given a list of the available benefits. You can then choose which benefits you would like to avail of. In most cases, you will be able to receive the benefits immediately. However, in some cases, you may need to wait for approval from the Department of Social Welfare and Development. Regardless of the process, the SWAD or CIU staff will be with you every step of the way to ensure that you receive the assistance you need.

Infographics of the DSWD AICS Program

You may find in this link the infographics for the various AICS Program Benefits here – https://www.dswd.gov.ph/aics/

You can also check out more details about each program below:

DSWD AICS Program Educational Assistance Transportation Assistance

DSWD AICS Program Accomplishments

For those of you who might be wondering about the scope and impact of the AICS Program on its target beneficiaries, here are some of its milestones:

The Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situations (AICS) has a physical target of 1,234,784 clients for the Calendar Year 2022. The accumulative data on clients served by the DSWD Central Office (CO) and the Field Offices (FOS) for the first quarter of the current year is 335,278 clients, which is 27.15% of the total target.

While the program has served its purpose, there is still a long way to go in reaching its target of 1.2 million clients for 2022. And under the leadership of Senator Erwin Tulfo, we hope that the much-needed revamp and change in the department will finally be seen. The DSWD is a vital government agency that assists the most vulnerable sector of our society. It helps people in need and gives them hope and strength to persevere through difficult times. And we hope that this will continue under Senator Tulfo’s leadership.

Video: Cash Aid via AICS Program by DSWD

The Philippine Social Welfare Department is set to open its offices for Filipinos who want to be included in the government’s cash aid scheme. This is good news for those who have been left out of the program due to some technical issues or because they were not able to apply in time.

Moreover, by doing so, the DSWD can accommodate more applicants, especially in areas where there are many Filipinos who need help. The agency said it could take up to two months to complete its list of beneficiaries.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some FAQs about the AICS programs:

1. What is a referral to other services?

A referral to other services is a type of assistance that is not available at the SWAD or CIU satellite offices. It can be used to access various services such as legal advice, psychosocial support, and even temporary shelter.

2. What is AICS financial assistance?

The AICS provides various services, such as financial and material assistance. Financial assistance is usually provided in the form of cash or a guarantee letter. On the other hand, material assistance is usually provided for non-food items.

3. What is the psychosocial intervention?

A psychosocial intervention is a type of non-biomedical technique that aims to reduce the effects of a crisis on a person’s behavior. It can be used in combination with other interventions such as cognitive therapy.

4. What is medical assistance?

The provision of medical assistance is a vital part of the response to the COVID-19 pandemic. It helps individuals and families shoulder the expenses associated with hospitalization and other related procedures. In response to the possibility of other diseases, this circular included various adjustments to the program’s provisions.

5. How is the eligibility of a client determined for DSWD programs?

The eligibility of the client to avail of the services shall be determined during the interview and scrutiny of the supporting documents presented. The social worker shall discern the capacity of the family to address the problem by looking keenly on the available resources that the family could access or utilize and the assessment of the social worker shall be the basis for the recommendation.

6. What is the role of the Department of Social Welfare and Development?

The DSWD is responsible for implementing social protection programs and activities aimed at improving people’s quality of life. It is also committed to addressing the needs of the poor and vulnerable sectors of society.

Summary

The DSWD AICS Program is an effective social protection program that aims to help the poor and vulnerable sectors of society. The program has been proven to be able to address the needs of families who require assistance. This is because it offers them a wide range of services, including financial assistance, medical care, and counseling.

And with the number of Filipinos in crisis situations during the pandemic, this program is more important than ever. It is a great way to ensure that people in need get the help they need during times of crisis. We hope you’ve gained some insight into how the DSWD AICS program works. We also hope you learned about the types of assistance it offers and the application process.

Disclaimer: This post is only for informational purposes and should not be used as a direct guide to the program. As with any government-sponsored program, you must check on the official DSWD latest updates before applying for assistance.