In an effort to make its programs and services more responsive to the evolving needs of its clients, the Department of Social Welfare and Development’s (DSWD) management committee (MANCOM) conditionally approved the proposed amendments to the guidelines of the Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situations (AICS) and other agency programs and services during the committee’s 7th regular meeting on Tuesday (April 8) at the agency’s Central Office in Quezon City.
Following the MANCOM’s approval, the proposed amendments to the guidelines will be up for the review of the members of the DSWD’s Executive Committee headed by DSWD Secretary Rex Gatchalian.
Director Edwin Morata of the DSWD’s Crisis Intervention Program (CIP), who presented the proposed amendment to the AICS guidelines during the meeting, said the program seeks to expand the provision of non-medical services to clients in Malasakit Centers nationwide.
“Dati ang non-medical services sa Malasakit Center ay for transportation and food lang. Ngayon, in-expand na po namin siya to medical, even funeral, we also include food — hindi siya food assistance in the form na ibibigay sa pasyente but for those accompanying member of the family na nagbabantay sa pasyente habang nasa ospital sila and even transportation from going back and forth to their respective homes,” Director Morata explained.
Another proposed amendment is an increase on the minimum amount of assistance to AICS beneficiaries who will be needing food or cash relief assistance, as well as minor reduction on documentary requirements.
“What we really want is to improve access to the menu of assistance offered at Malasakit Centers, streamline and reduce documentary requirements per type of assistance and ensure that the assistance provided remains responsive based on the evolving needs of beneficiaries,” Director Morata pointed out.
Director Morata said the proposed changes on the existing guidelines on AICS, such as Memorandum Circular (MC) No. 16 s. 2023 and MC No. 06 s. 2024, aligns with the agency’s commitment to streamline and strengthen the implementation of the program, ensuring that assistance remains relevant, inclusive, and accessible to those in crisis.
Ruled conditionally-approved by the MANCOM, the amended guidelines will be subjected to consideration of MANCOM inputs and recommendations before securing the committee’s full approval and endorsement to the Executive Committee level.
In addition to Director Morata, other MANCOM officials presented key proposed guidelines during the meeting.
Assistant Secretary Baldr Bringas of the agency’s Innovations and Program Development Group (IPDG), who is also the MANCOM chairperson, presented the suggested amendments relative to the guidelines on the structure, function, and composition of the national program management office (NPMO) and regional counterparts for the Enhanced Partnership Against Hunger and Poverty (EPAHP).
“The amendment supports program expansion, strengthens inter-agency coordination, and aligns with recent national directives to reinforce the government’s commitment to ending hunger and promoting food and nutrition security,” Asst. Secretary Baldr Bringas said.
The EPAHP Program is one of the banner programs of the Task Force on Zero Hunger chaired by the DSWD, focused on institutionalizing efforts to mitigate hunger, and promote food and nutrition security.
Director Clarissa Lara Duran of the Public Relations Service (PRS) presented the changes on the guidelines of the agency’s grievance channel systems, as well as the new guidelines on the protocols for planning and management of DSWD events.
Director Justin Caesar Anthony Batocabe of the DSWD Academy discussed the agency’s efforts to elevate effective strategies and innovative approaches across DSWD offices and partners through the proposed Knowledge Products (KP) Development Guidelines.
The DSWD MANCOM, composed of assistant secretaries and directors, is a consultative body to institute closely coordinated work among bureaus and service units, which also undertakes a complete review and integration of input for proposed guidelines, position papers, policies, issuances, and other policy instruments. (LSJ)
