THE Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) expressed its appreciation to President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. and the Department of Budget and Management for approving the P2 billion Special Allotment Release Order as Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situations (AICS).

The DSWD said the release of the funds could not have been timed better considering the rising prices of goods and services.

During the Laging Handa public briefing on Friday, DSWD Secretary Erwin Tulfo said the aid will be distributed for“medical, burial, balik-probinsya and education”needs.

Tulfo also said that the funds will be divided in the various regions to prevent beneficiaries from having to travel to Metro Manila.

The DSWD has released new guidelines in the application for AICS to ensure quick and effective delivery of the funds.

The DSWD recently released Memorandum Circular 15, which streamlined the implementation process and made it easier to meet eligibility requirements and get required documentation at the Central Office, field and satellite offices.