medical assistance

THE DEPARTMENT of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Davao resumed the issuance of guarantee letters (GLs) for burial and medical assistance under Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situation (AICS) starting Jan. 5.

The GL is a document issued by the DSWD addressed to accredited service providers to guarantee the payment of the service on behalf of the beneficiary.

To note, the program was temporarily suspended on Nov. 30, 2025, in line with Financial Management Guideline No. 53 (2025) of the agency to settle pending payables to the service providers.

While a provision of GL is active, the direct cash aid under AICS is temporarily suspended starting Jan. 5 in line with the Department of Budget and Management policy, pending the fund release under the 2026 General Appropriations Act.

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. signed the P6.793-trillion national budget on Monday,

The AICS is among the social welfare services of the DSWD that provides medical assistance, burial, transportation, education, food, or financial assistance for other support services or needs of a person or family. It is intended for individuals and families determined to be in a “state of active crisis” or “crisis situation” or needing financial or material support from the national government.

FIRST District Rep. Paolo Duterte reported a wide range of accomplishments for 2025, covering medical assistance, educational support, disaster response, legislative work, and major infrastructure projects.

According to his annual accomplishment report, 25,487 individuals received medical assistance during the year.

This included 4,554 patients treated in private hospitals, 19,893 regular patients at the Southern Philippines Medical Center, 1,282 cancer patients, and 1,040 senior citizens who received maintenance support.

The report also showed that 1,538 outpatients were served through medical missions, while 159 individuals participated in bloodletting activities.

Health and wellness programs likewise recorded strong participation, with 7,177 individuals joining Zumba activities and 918 participants in the PPP Seniors and PWD Fun Run.

For burial assistance, the lawmaker’s office extended aid to 1,596 families. Educational support was granted to 26 scholars, consisting of 13 college students, seven postgraduate medicine students, and six postgraduate law students.

In disaster and emergency response, 1,416 families affected by calamities were assisted, including 200 flood-affected families and 1,216 fire victims.

Other social services included the distribution of 357,514 kilos of rice, 66,819 food packs, 23,572 packed lunches, 1,184 emergency packs, and 1,704 Christmas packs.

The office also distributed 653 wheelchairs, 163 tents, 46,206 packs of porridge and snacks, 2,870 solar lights, 54 motorcycles, one patient transport van, and other relief items to communities in need.

On the legislative front, Rep. Duterte authored several principal bills focusing on social welfare, digital skills development, community-driven development, mandatory drug testing for public officials, free annual medical check-ups, media worker protection, and the regulation of single-use plastics.

He also co-authored a bill creating the Department of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources and sponsored House Resolution No. 488, which directs an inquiry into alleged irregularities in the 2025 national budget.

In terms of infrastructure, the congressman reported the continued implementation of major projects in the district, including the Davao Coastal Road Project and the 818-meter Maa–Magtuod Flyover Project.

Rep. Duterte’s office said the accomplishments reflect sustained efforts to strengthen health services, expand educational opportunities, improve disaster response, advance legislative reforms, and support long-term community development in Davao City and nearby areas.

DSWD Davao resumes AICS burial, medical assistance guarantee letters

Rep. Paolo reports 2025 accomplishments