Have you ever been “stranded” due to a natural calamity, or you need to travel for urgent medical care? Or perhaps you have been the victim of a pick pocket or an illegal recruiter, with no means to travel back home. In extreme cases such as these, you can turn to the Department of Social Work and Development (DSWD) for help.
Thanks to the DSWD’s Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situations (AICS) program, you can avail of transportation assistance, as well as different types of aid: educational assistance, medical assistance, and burial assistance. This program caters to the “poor, vulnerable, and disadvantaged” members of society.
What is AICS Transportation Assistance?
DSWD’s AICS transportation assistance is available to the following individuals:
- “Strandees” due to a natural calamity;
- People returning to their hometowns;
- Victims of illegal recruitment;
- Victims of pick pockets;
- People who need to travel for medical care; and
- People with a sudden death in the family.
Requirements
To apply for transportation assistance, applicants need to submit a Valid ID (i.e. government-issued) and ANY of the following documents:
- Police Blotter / Certification (for victim of pick pockets, illegal recruiters, etc.); or
- Death Certificate or any proof from a Hospital, Doctor, Authorized Medical Practitioner, Imam (for Muslims), or Tribal Chieftain (for indigenous peoples).
Additional Requirements
In addition to the above, the following documents may also be required, depending on the situation:
- Medical Certificate; or
- Court Order / Subpoena / Referral (from other agencies, Barangay, or LSWDO).
Procedure
If you find yourself in a situation that requires urgent transportation assistance, you can go to the nearest DSWD office for help. If you are based in the National Capital Region (NCR), you can go to the DSWD Central Office in Quezon City. On the other hand, you can go to the nearest DSWD Field Office if you live in the province. Similarly, you can head to the DSWD Satellite Office in your Local Government Unit (LGU) as well.
At the DSWD office, you will be given specific instructions on how you can apply for transportation assistance. Generally, the process involves the following three major steps:
- Screening. This steps involves the submission of documentary requirements.
- Assessment. You will be interviewed by a Social Welfare Officer. He/She will assess your application and determine the type of assistance that you need.
- Payout. Upon approval of your application, the financial assistance will be released.
Video: AICS Program a Big Help to Many Filipinos
For many years now, DSWD has helped many Filipinos through its AICS program, providing different types of financial aid for those who need it the most. In the following video shared by DSWD Region 5, several people talk about how the program has helped them in terms of their medical, educational, transportation, and other needs:
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Meanwhile, here are some commonly asked questions — and answers — about the AICS program of DSWD:
1. What is DSWD’s AICS program?
DSWD’s Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situations (AICS) program is a regular program that offers financial aid to the “poor, vulnerable, and disadvantaged” sectors of Philippine society. At present, the program provides four types of financial aid: educational assistance, medical assistance, burial assistance, and transportation assistance.
2. How can I avail of financial assistance from DWSD?
To avail of financial assistance, you can go to the nearest DSWD office in your area. The DSWD Central Office in Quezon City caters to those who are based in the NCR, while DSWD Field Offices are situated all over the country for those in the provinces. Furthermore, almost every LGU has a DSWD Satellite Office as well.
3. What are the required documents?
The required documents will be based on your particular need and situation. In the case of transportation assistance, you’ll need to submit a Police Blotter if you’re the victim of a pick pocket, illegal recruiter, etc. Meanwhile, if you need to travel for medical care, you’ll need to submit a Medical Certificate instead.
4. When will I receive the financial assistance?
If the financial assistance to be given is below PHP 10,000, it may be released within one (1) day only. On the other hand, if the financial assistance is worth PHP 10,000 and above, the amount may be released within three (3) to five (5) days.
5. How can I learn more about DSWD’s programs?
For any inquiries, concerns, or even complaints about DSWD’s programs — including AICS — do not hesitate to contact the department’s Agency Operations Center (AOC) through the following Hotline Numbers:
- Smart — 0943 464 8026 / 0943 464 8086 / 0932 933 3251
- Globe — 0995 715 3926 / 0995 715 3934
NOTE: The above numbers are available from 8:00 am to 6:00 pm every Monday through Friday, and from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm every Saturday, Sunday, and holidays.
Contact Information: DSWD Central Office
For those who are based in the NCR, you can get in touch with the DSWD Central Office through the following contact details. Your concern will be addressed by the department’s Crisis Intervention Unit (CIU), which manages the AICS program.
Address: Batasang Pambansa Complex, Constitution Hills, Quezon City, Philippines, 1126
Telephone: (02) 8931 8101
Email: inquiry@dswd.gov.ph / ciu.co@dswd.gov.ph
Website: https://www.dswd.gov.ph/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/dswdserves/
Google Map Location
The DSWD Central Office is situated at the Batasang Pambansa Complex in Quezon City. Here is the office’s location on Google Maps, for your reference:
Summary
Indeed, DSWD is a big help to those who need it the most. You never know when you might be the victim of a pick pocket or an illegal recruiter, or you could get stranded because of a natural calamity. In some cases, people may need to travel so they can receive urgent medical care. Fortunately, the department’s AICS program offers transportation assistance, so you can travel safely back to your hometown, or get much-needed medical care elsewhere.
DISCLAIMER: We hope that the above guide has been helpful, especially if you or anyone you needs transportation assistance. Please note that this guide is presented for general, information-sharing purposes only. For more information about DSWD’s transportation assistance program, please visit the agency’s official website and Facebook page.
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