THE Department of Social Welfare and Development-Davao Region (DSWD-Davao) has clarified its assistance process after a viral social media post showed a crowd outside its office, raising concerns over the distribution of aid under the Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situations (AICS) program.
DSWD-Davao said it implements a priority number system, serving up to 200 clients per cycle. Once all 200 have been assisted, the numbering restarts. The department also emphasized that there is no cut-off time.
“Ginapaningkamutan sa mga empleyado nga mahuman og cater ang mga kliyente nga naa na sa sulod bisag lampas na sa alas-5 sa hapon, nga mao ang katapusan sa working hours o office hours (The employees strive to assist all clients already inside, even beyond 5 p.m., which marks the end of office hours),” DSWD-Davao stated on March 26, 2025.
Limited office space prevents accommodating everyone at once, which is why entry is regulated.
The agency also noted that some individuals were unable to enter due to incomplete documents or missing requirements.
For inquiries, DSWD-Davao encouraged the public to contact its Public Assistance and Complaint Desk (PACD). The agency also provides priority lanes for senior citizens, persons with disabilities (PWDs), and pregnant women.
AICS offers immediate financial, material, and psychosocial support to individuals in crisis. DSWD-Davao reassured the public of its commitment to assisting those in need. RGP