Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Secretary Rex Gatchalian and Misamis Oriental Governor Peter Unabia signed on Wednesday a memorandum of agreement (MOA) that aims to expand services and benefits under the department’s Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situation (AICS) program.

“Today is a very important day because we can use this partnership as a template for other provinces who have the same set-up like you – who prioritizes health care, who wants to make sure that the money of the government is being used for the purpose of medical assistance,” Gatchalian said during the MOA signing at the Limketkai Luxe Hotel in Cagayan de Oro City.

The deal, he said, is part of the DSWD’s continuing effort to further strengthen the provision of social services and programs to individuals in crisis situations.

Under the agreement, the DSWD will have a stronger partnership with the province’s eight public hospitals located in Magsaysay, Talisayan, Claveria, Balingasag, Alubijid, Initao, Manticao, and Gingoog City.

The DSWD will provide financial assistance, through guaranteed letters to the eligible beneficiaries based on the assessment and recommendation of the DSWD social workers and the local social work and development officers employed by the various local government units (LGUs).

Gatchalian said the MOA signing would ensure that government funds and assistance given to the clients would be used for what it is intended for.

In making the organization efficient, the DSWD has to close the system loss, he said.

He said system loss is when the DSWD gives financial assistance to the right beneficiary but the latter does not use it for what it is intended for.

Gatchalian lauded the provincial local government unit of Misamis Oriental, which is one with the DSWD in enhancing the community’s overall well-being by ensuring accessible and timely support for those in need of medical assistance.

“We are excited to partner with individuals and provinces like yourself who truly want to change the system and change people’s lives. We are very proud of what we signed kasi happy kami na (because we are happy that) you are helping do our mandate,” he added.

The AICS is one of the social welfare services of the DSWD that provides medical, burial, transportation, education, food, or financial assistance to support the needs of a person or family who is in a crisis situation. (PNA)