The Department of Budget and Management (DBM) has approved the release of the Special Allotment Release Order and its corresponding Notice of Cash Allocation of P5 billion for the Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situation (AICS) program.
In a statement on Monday, the DBM said the AICS program is a critical component of the Department of Social Welfare and Development’s (DSWD) services.
It allows the provision of essential support such as medical, burial, transportation, education and food assistance, along with financial aid for other urgent needs of individuals and families in crisis.
The allocation of these additional funds is in accordance with the special provisions in the 2024 General Appropriations Act concerning the use of Unprogrammed Appropriations.
These provisions permit the utilization of funds for vital infrastructure and social programs, including financial aid for indigent citizens, contingent upon the availability of new or excess revenue collections.
“We cannot deny the severe impact of the climate crisis here in the Philippines. We were hit by typhoons Nika, Ofel and Pepito, and many more are yet to come. This additional funding for the DSWD is for our fellow citizens who are affected by the crisis,” said Amenah Pangandaman, DBM secretary.
“Through this, we are sustaining support for vulnerable and marginalized communities. We are bridging the resource gap required for extensive disaster recovery and sustained support throughout the nation,” Pangandaman added.
Last week, the DBM also approved the release of P875 million to replenish the Quick Response
Fund (QRF) of the DSWD.
The DBM said the fund is chargeable against the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management (NDRRM) Fund under the 2024 General Appropriations Act. The NDRRM Fund may be used as an additional funding source for the QRF of implementing agencies concerned when its balance reaches 50 percent, subject to the approval of the DBM.
