MANILA – The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) announced on Thursday that it will temporarily suspend the issuance of Guarantee Letters (GLs) under the Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situation (AICS).
“Mayroon na po tayong inilabas na guidance sa ating mga Field Offices na i-observe yung (We have already issued a guidance to our Field Offices to observe the) last day of issuance of guarantee letter, which should not be later than December 13,” Assistant Secretary Irene Dumlao told reporters at the weekly DSWD media forum.
She said the pause in GL issuances would facilitate the annual liquidation process and complete the payments to service providers who have already assisted beneficiaries.
The DSWD spokesperson, however, clarified that the suspension of the GL will not impact the provision of AICS assistance to clients in crisis.
Those in need can still access cash assistance for services amounting to PHP 10, 000 or less, she said.
“The DSWD will still assist the AICS clients pero cash muna (but only in cash) worth PHP 10, 000 and below ang maibigay natin (will be given). Next year, once we have settled all obligation requests and disbursement vouchers, we could already resume with the issuance of the GL,” Dumlao said.
The AICS program is a critical component of DSWD’s services, providing 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 DSWD official also announced that the agency would suspend its offsite payouts to focus on finalizing financial requirements.
“Any offsite o yung nag conduct tayo ng payout sa covered court o sa barangay hall, iyon po muna yung matitigil (or the conduct of payouts in covered courts or barangay halls will be suspended). So, we encourage our clients to visit our Satellite Offices or Field Offices,” Dumlao said. (PNA)