The Department of Social Welfare and Development on Wednesday released PHP3 million in assistance to at least 1,000 individuals in crisis situations (AICS) in this town.

Senator Imee Marcos led the distribution of government aid at the town’s covered court attended by local officials and beneficiaries from the 24 villages here.

The lawmaker said the assistance is badly needed as people are still reeling from the effects of the coronavirus 2019 (Covid-19) pandemic.

“Aside from the pandemic, prices of basic commodities are also going up. I will continue to lobby for more allocation of AICS in the country,” Marcos said during her brief visit here.

Isabel Mayor Edgardo Cordeño said each beneficiary got PHP3,000 cash. Recipients included persons with disabilities, single parents, tricycle drivers, farmers, and fisherfolk.

One of the beneficiaries is a 48-year-old single mother, Rowena Ebcas, of Tabunok village, who needs money to buy school supplies this coming school year for her 11-year-old daughter.

The DSWD in Eastern Visayas has already distributed PHP469.74 million to AICS from January to June this year.

AICS is a social safety net or a stop-gap mechanism to support the recovery of individuals and families from unexpected crises such as illness or death of a family member and other crises. (PNA)