DSWD gives aid to cancer-stricken former AFP director

The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) on Tuesday reported that it has assisted a 72-year-old retiree afflicted with Stage 4 colon cancer and liver metastases through the provision of medical aid in the form of a guarantee letter worth P150,000.

DSWD Secretary Rex Gatchalian on 26 October ordered social workers to locate Emma “Bing” Kasilag and extend immediate assistance for her medical needs.

“Our social workers from the Department located her and assisted her through our AICS Program,” Secretary Gatchalian said.

The Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situation (AICS) program serves as the DSWD’s primary mechanism for providing immediate support to individuals and families in crisis, offering financial aid for medical needs, hospitalization bills, transportation, burial, and other urgent needs.

Regional Director Barry Chua of the DSWD Field Office CALABARZON said the Department promptly released a P150,000 guarantee letter to cover part of Kasilag’s medical expenses.

“We provided a guarantee letter worth P150,000. Discharged na si Bing today. She was also assured of further assistance pagkalabas ng hospital kung kailangan pa nila ng ibang tulong,” Chua said on 27 October.

Kasilag is a retired executive director and curator of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Museum and Historical Library Foundation, Inc. She had been confined for nearly two weeks in a Cavite hospital due to complications from chemotherapy. Her medical expenses had exceeded P170,000, excluding doctors’ fees, with further costs expected for ongoing treatment.

The 72-year-old retiree’s only source of income is her small government pension. Kasilag reportedly sought help from PhilHealth but was told that only patients with Stages 1 to 3 colorectal cancer are qualified for its assistance package.

The DSWD continues to work with local government units (LGUs) and other partner agencies to ensure that individuals like Kasilag receive comprehensive support from hospitalization to post-discharge care, reflecting the agency’s commitment to compassionate and responsive public service.