DSWD: No politics in ayuda programs

Social Welfare Secretary Rex Gatchalian yesterday assured the public that the two financial aid or ayuda programs of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) are not being used for political gains.

- By SHEILA CRISOSTOMO

In a statement, Gatchalian dismissed claims by some quarters that the Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situation (AICS) and the Ayuda para sa Kapos ang Kita Program (AKAP) were being used for political purposes, including "vote buying."

He said the DSWD applies a "stringent verification and validation process" for clients who seek financial assistance, even for referrals from legislators and other local government officials.

"Let me reiterate that all the DSWD's field offices across the country serve people in need, whether they are walk-in clients or were referred to by local government unit (LGU) officials. The DSWD continues to process applications and distribute assistance through AICS and AKAP to qualified beneficiaries," he stressed.

The assessment of the agency's licensed social workers "is critical to avoid overlapping of assistance with other DSWD programs," according to Gatchalian.