The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) has resumed the issuance of guarantee letters (GLs) for medical and burial assistance under the Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situation (AICS) program.
In a statement, DSWD spokesperson and Assistant Secretary Irene Dumlao said the agency has begun releasing GLs on January 5.
However, the provision of direct cash aid under the AICS program has been temporarily suspended as of January 5 in accordance with the policies of the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) and pending the release of funds under the 2026 General Appropriations Act (GAA).
“Gaya po ng nai-commit natin nuong Disyembre, agad po naming ni-resume ang pag-iisyu ng guarantee letters ngayong Enero 5 para masigurong agad na maipagpatuloy ang pagbibigay ng tulong para sa medical at burial assistance ng mga kwalipikadong kliyente, lalo na yung mga dumadaan sa matinding krisis. Alam naming malaking bagay ang GL para maibsan ang nararanasang krisis ng ating mga bulnerableng kababayan,” Dumlao said on Tuesday.
(Like we committed to do in December, we immediately resumed the issuance of guarantee letters on January 5 to ensure that medical and burial assistance is given to qualified clients, especially those undergoing crisis. We know the GLs is a big help to ease the burdens of our vulnerable countrymen.)
The GL is a document issued by the DSWD to eligible beneficiaries that ensures payment for approved medical and burial expenses to accredited service providers.
The DSWD announced the suspension of the issuance of the GLs in November.
Meanwhile, Dumlao said the provision of cash aid under the AICS program is on hold pending the release of funds from the 2026 national budget and the DBM’s issuance of guidelines.
“Makakaasa ang mga nakararanas ng krisis na agad nating sisimulan ang assistance na ito kapag mayroon ng nakalaang pondo para dito. Pero inuulit po namin na patuloy naman po ang ating serbisyo sa pamamagitan ng guarantee letters para hindi maantala ang kinakailangang tulong,” she said.
(Our countrymen in crisis can be assured that we will immediately extend this assistance once we have the funds for it. But we are still continuing our service through guarantee letters so that help will not be delayed.)
Prospective beneficiaries seeking assistance may visit the nearest DSWD Crisis Intervention Unit (CIU), Social Welfare and Development Office (SWDO), or satellite offices for the processing of requests.
A complete list of DSWD offices nationwide may be accessed through the official website of the AICS program.
The DSWD also advised the public to regularly monitor its official website and verified social media accounts for further announcements and updates regarding the AICS program and other social protection services. — JMA, GMA Integrated News
