DSWD: Crisis aid seekers may visit satellite offices for convenience
MANILA, Philippines— The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) on Thursday reminded clients of its Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situation (AICS) program that welfare satellite offices can now service them close to their residences.
“Beginning today, June 1, AICS clients should go to the DSWD satellite office nearest their areas of residence as this will be more convenient and economical for them,” DSWD spokesperson Assistant Secretary Romel Lopez said in a statement.
Lopez explained that clients in northern Metro Manila (Caloocan, Malabon, Navotas, and Valenzuela) could avail themselves of DSWD assistance at the Camanava satellite office at the Victory Trade Plaza in Monumento, Caloocan City.
Meanwhile, those in southern Metro Manila (Pasay, Parañaque, Muntinlupa, and Las Piñas) can request aid at the Baclaran Satellite Office at the Victory Food Market beside Baclaran Church.
AICS beneficiaries in the municipalities of Norzagaray, Sta. Maria, Angat and the city of San Jose del Monte in Bulacan will be serviced by the SJDM Satellite Office situated at Starmall in Barangay Kaypian, according to Lopez.
He likewise clarified that the DSWD – NCR Regional Office in Manila covers beneficiaries in the cities of Manila, San Juan, Mandaluyong and Makati, while the DSWD Central Office along Batasan Road will service Quezon City clients.
“This initiative is one way of decongesting our existing AICS payout areas and to deliver services under AICS directly to our clients from different parts of Metro Manila and nearby provinces,” said Assistant Secretary for Community Engagement Uly Aguilar.
Aguilar said that the DSWD aims to establish satellite offices in Pasig City for those in the eastern sections of the metro (cities of Pasig, Marikina, Taguig, and the municipality of Pateros), and in the municipality of Rodriguez for Rizal beneficiaries.
The welfare department is also set to establish 21 more satellite offices in SM Malls Government Service Express Centers nationwide after it recently inked a deal with SM Supermalls.
