DSWD-6 warns public against fixers

By Jennifer P. Rendon

The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) – Region 6 reported a recent increase in the provision of Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situation (AICS).

In a press statement, DSWD-6 clarified reports that they allegedly halted their AICS aid at GT Mall in Molo, Iloilo City, on July 19.

“We would like to clarify that there was no stoppage in the granting of AICS. The office only decided to pause the processing because we spotted a suspected fixer in the area,” the statement said.

It added, “Our team also detected fictitious medical certificates being presented by clients. Additionally, we spotted overcharging in the cost of medicines in these medical certificates.”

The agency noted an abnormal surge in the number of clients presenting the same computerized medical certificates from one clinic.

“While these were being investigated, the releasing of medical assistance through guarantee letters continued and was never put to a stop,” it said.

DSWD-6 assured the public, especially clients needing assistance, that the agency will continue to help them provided they are eligible based on guidelines.

In July 2023, DSWD-6 also discovered fixers at its AICS distribution at the same venue.

For several days, the agency observed an unexpected influx of clients wanting to avail of AICS. This was considered a first in recent years.

The DSWD-6 noted that the number of clients has always been manageable over the years. As such, it did not discount the possibility that fixers could be orchestrating AICS clients.

The AICS is part of the DSWD’s protective services for the poor, marginalized, and vulnerable/disadvantaged individuals for medical, educational, burial, and transportation assistance.

The AICS has been implemented by the DSWD for decades as part of its technical assistance and resource augmentation support to local government units and other partners.

Usually, the agency can accommodate 100 to 200 clients in the agency’s AICS Action Center at GT Mall.