124 facilities sign pact with DSWD-6 for reduced medical and burial expenses

By Jennifer P. Rendon

More than a hundred hospitals, funeral companies, and other medical service providers have partnered with the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD)-Region 6 to help alleviate Ilonggos’ medical and burial expenses.

According to a recent press statement from DSWD-6, a total of 124 facilities across Iloilo, Antique, and Guimaras have signed the agreement. Facilities in other provinces are yet to conduct their MOA signings.

Atty. Carmelo Nochete, DSWD-6 regional director, commended their partner facilities for facilitating the implementation of the DSWD-AICS (Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situation) program.

“We thank you for this partnership because you are helping lessen the burden of our clients,” Nochete expressed during the MOA signing event in Iloilo City last week.

The collaboration includes 85 funeral service providers, 13 hospitals, nine dialysis centers, five therapy centers, three orthopedic services, five medical supply services, and four pharmacies.

These facilities are now considered DSWD partners in delivering AICS, which provides a range of welfare services including medical and burial assistance, and financial aid for various urgent needs.

Nochete explained that for hospitals and health facilities, payments for hospitalization and services will be made directly to the partners, as the DSWD provides guarantee letters to cover a portion of the costs for clients in crisis situations seeking medical assistance.

For burial assistance, the coverage extends to the burial expenses of clients in crisis.

“The assessment as to the amount remains with the social worker attending to the client,” Nochete clarified.

DSWD-6 Assistant Regional Director for Operations Arwin Razo elaborated on the obligations of both parties under the agreement.

The Crisis Intervention Section (CIS), led by Beverly Salazar, is at the forefront of AICS implementation.

Katherine Joy Malagad-Lamprea, the Chief of the Protective Services Division, marked the occasion as a significant milestone for the agency, as it was their first formal agreement signing with AICS partners.

“To our partners, thank you for being compassionate. Thank you for caring for the people in crisis, the sick, the vulnerable, the disadvantaged, and those who are grieving due to the loss of loved ones,” Malagad-Lamprea expressed her gratitude.

In a previous report, DSWD-6 disclosed that they had distributed P2.3 billion in financial assistance under AICS in 2023.