A total of 533 individuals here received on Monday cash aid coursed through the Department of Social Welfare and Development’s (DSWD) Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situations (AICS) program.

Leo Quintilla, DSWD-Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR) Director, in an interview on the sidelines of the assistance distribution at the President Fidel Valdez Ramos (PFVR) gym, said the office of Senator Lito Lapid funded the assistance for 333 heads of families, who received PHP3,000 food aid, and for 200 students, represented by their parents for the PHP5,000 educational assistance.

He said an individual can apply for this aid program through referral or as a walk-in client, provided that they have not received any cash assistance for at least three months.

“They can come anytime if they need help and we will attend to them. They just need to submit the requirement,” he said, but clarified that the applicants will be screened first.

AICS is a continuing assistance of DSWD for those who are in need. It is funded either from the DSWD’s funds or from the office of a politician who has identified a particular group of beneficiaries.

Aside from the AICS, Lapid also extended a PHP1 million medical assistance grant to indigent patients of the Baguio General Hospital and Medical Center.

“This will help the poor especially since prices are getting high,” Lapid said in Filipino during the turn-over ceremony.

“I hope that this small amount can be of help to you,” he added. (PNA)