The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) reported that almost 8 million Filipinos have availed themselves of the agency’s Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situation (AICS) program as of October this year.

According to the DSWD, the figure includes more than 600,000 beneficiaries who received guarantee letters through the department’s partnership with service providers.

AICS is a program that provides assistance to anyone undergoing a crisis. It serves as a safety net for individuals from any social class who need immediate and temporary support.

AICS services cover medical and burial assistance for those in need. The guarantee letter serves as a document addressed to a service provider, such as a hospital or similar entity, ensuring payment on behalf of the beneficiary.

The DSWD on Saturday enhanced its collaboration with service providers by signing a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA). DSWD Secretary Rex Gatchalian recognized the role that partners play in supporting beneficiaries.

“For countless Filipino families, AICS has served as a lifeline, bringing hope, relief, and dignity during their most challenging times. Every day, thousands of Filipinos are given hope by this program,” Gatchalian said.

Service providers include hospitals, pharmacies, diagnostic centers, therapy and learning centers, medical implant and device distributors, prosthesis providers, and dialysis centers.

The ceremonial signing gathered the heads and representatives of partner hospitals, including Christ the King Medical Center–Unihealth Las Piñas, Dr. Cabuco Hospital, Dr. Fe Del Mundo Medical Center, Healthway Cancer Care Hospital, Metro Antipolo Hospital and Medical Center, National Children’s Hospital, Ospital ng Muntinlupa, and San Jose del Monte–Muzon Medical Center.

The event also brought together partner pharmacies, including Armour-Med Distributors, Clear-Bridge Medical Philippines, and Detoxicare Philippines, as well as Premiere Medical and Cardiovascular Laboratory, a partner diagnostic center.

The MOA signing included therapy and learning center partners Bless Learning Resources and Sparks Intervention and Tutorials; implant partner distributors Sinawal Medical Supplies and Trans-Medic Philippines; and medical device partner distributor Equilife Medical Equipment, Supplies, and Services.

Mediwalk Corporation completed the list of partners, with Luzon Renal Care as the designated dialysis center partner.

The MOA establishes standard procedures for processing payments and strengthens mutual obligations to ensure efficient, transparent, and accessible services for underprivileged, vulnerable, and marginalized Filipinos facing medical crises.