Cagayan de Oro City – The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) and the government of Misamis Oriental have entered into a partnership aimed at enhancing the Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situation (AICS) program. DSWD Secretary Rex Gatchalian and Misamis Oriental Governor Peter Unabia formalized this collaboration with a memorandum of agreement (MOA) on Wednesday.
According to Philippines News Agency, the partnership serves as a potential template for other provinces prioritizing healthcare and effective use of government funds for medical assistance. The MOA is part of DSWD's ongoing efforts to strengthen social services for individuals in crisis. The agreement will bolster cooperation with eight public hospitals in the province, enabling the provision of financial assistance to eligible beneficiaries. Gatchalian emphasized the importance of ensuring that government aid is used for its intended purposes and reducing system losses. He commended the provincial government of Misamis Oriental for aligning with DSWD's mission to improve community well-being. The AICS program offers various forms of assistance, including medical, burial, transportation, education, food, or financial support to individuals or families in crisis.