DSWD-6 warns beneficiaries against cash aid deductions

By Jennifer P. Rendon

The Department of Social Welfare and Development in Western Visayas (DSWD-6) has warned anew that financial aid must be received in full by qualified beneficiaries.

Therese Fely Legaste, DSWD-6 regional information officer, said no individual or group has the authority to demand or deduct any amount from the financial assistance given under the government’s Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situation (AICS) program.

Legaste reminded the public that the AICS program provides immediate and temporary relief to individuals and families affected by crises.

She said the program serves as a stopgap measure to support those facing sudden hardships or emergencies through food, transportation, medical, educational, or burial assistance.

“AICS is given to qualified individuals who are actually in crisis,” Legaste said.

She urged beneficiaries to protect themselves from individuals taking advantage of their situation.

“Indi pwede buhinan ukon kuhaan ang bulig nga inyo nabaton sang bisan sin-o. Magbantay kag indi magpatunto sa mga nagapangayo sang bahin sang inyo bulig,” she reiterated in Hiligaynon, reminding recipients not to share any portion of their aid.

Legaste encouraged the public to immediately report such incidents to any DSWD office or employee.

She said the agency would endorse verified cases to law enforcement authorities for investigation and possible prosecution.

DSWD-6 did not cite any specific incident prompting the warning, but the reminder followed a report from a man claiming to be a resident of Barangay Lanit, Jaro, Iloilo City.

The man alleged that he received PHP 10,000 in financial aid from the AICS program during a payout held on November 11 in Barangay Quintin Salas, Jaro.

He claimed that a barangay official and a village watchman later went around and demanded that recipients return PHP 8,000 “for the barangay.”

It was unclear if other beneficiaries were also forced to surrender part of their aid.

Legaste said the DSWD-6 had not received a formal complaint on the matter as of press time, noting that the report came only through the media.

She added that the agency would coordinate with concerned authorities once an official complaint is filed.

Meanwhile, Legaste said there were also reports from Capiz province about individuals allegedly receiving financial assistance even though they were not affected by recent typhoons.