In accordance to his promise of giving a responsible and efficient service to his constituents, the office of Valenzuela first district representative, Congressman REX Gatchalian, in partnership with the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) led the distribution of financial grants to several individuals in crisis situations in the city at the Valenzuela City Auditorium, November 25. A total of 500 individuals have benefited from the distribution, consisting of 400 individuals receiving medical assistance, and 100 individuals receiving burial assistance. The beneficiaries have received a financial assistance ranging from Php 3,000 to Php 10,000 for medical assistance, and Php 3,000 for burial assistance. The grant aims to serve as an aid to their different medical and burial expenses.

The Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situations (AICS) is in accordance with DSWD’s Memorandum Circular No. 02, Series of 2014 with a mission to protect and serve the poor, marginalized, vulnerable, and disadvantaged individuals in the country. The AICS program has been helping a lot of Filipinos over the years and is granted to the people in several forms such as: transportation assistance, medical assistance, burial assistance, food/non-food assistance, and educational assistance.

Antonia Hipolito, 55, single parent of three children aged 32, 30 and 26, has single-handedly raised her three children while aiding her own diabetes for more than 10 years now, according to her, these kinds of financial assistance from the government have been of great help to her especially now that she is getting older. 

“Mahirap po talaga magpalaki ng mga anak lalo na po’t single ako, mabuti na lang po eh meron tayong gobyernong madaling lapitan tulad po ng mga Gatchalian. Maganda po talaga yung ginagawa nila dahil mabilis din po yung proseso, dalawang linggo lang po nung nagpasa ako, eh naschedule na po akong makatanggap ngayon.” [It’s really hard to raise three children especially that I am a single parent, it’s a relief that we have a government that’s easy to reach like the Gatchalians. What they have done is really good because the process is so fast, it’s just been two weeks since I submitted requirements and I’ve already been scheduled to receive the financial assistance today.”]

To avail the different kinds of financial assistance, claimants must submit some documents like medical abstract, prescription, and bills for medical assistance, and death certificate for burial assistance to REX Serbisyo Center located at Valenzuela Trade Center, Malinta, Valenzuela City. They may also call them at 8352-1000 local 2990 for inquiries.

In pursuance with its mission to provide assistance to its citizens, the local government will continue to initiate programs that will benefit every Valenzuelano, especially those who are in dire need of assistance.

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