The Department of Social Welfare and Development Field Office X (DSWD-10), through its Crisis Intervention Unit, renewed its Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) with 192 accredited service providers under the Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situations (AICS) Program during a two-day activity held on January 6–7, 2026, at Pearlmont Hotel, Cagayan de Oro City. The activity involved institutions across Northern Mindanao and neighboring regions that cater to the Department’s medical and funeral assistance.

Leading the MOA signing were Special Assistant to the Secretary and Officer-in-Charge Regional Director Ramel F. Jamen and Assistant Regional Director for Operations Dr. Glofelia J. Uayan, with selected service providers taking part in the ceremonial signing in the presence of all attendees.

Alongside the MOA renewal, an orientation on the updated 2026 AICS guidelines was conducted. Discussion included an overview of the program, the documentary requirements necessary for availing assistance, the legal bases and policies governing tax deductions on Guarantee Letters (GLs), and the computation of withholding taxes for goods and services.

Participants on the first day included representatives from hospitals and providers of medical and assistive devices, while pharmacies and funeral homes and services attended on the second day.

In his message, Director Jamen emphasized that the AICS program extends beyond the poor and marginalized, noting that assistance is available to individuals and families experiencing sudden and unforeseen crises.

“Dili kinahanglan nga pobre [ang mangayog assistance] basta mapatinud-an lamang nga gikihinanglan gyud ang maong serbisyo tungod kay sa iyang sitwasyon, na-drained na iyang resources,” said Jamen.

[It is not necessary for the person seeking assistance to be poor, as long as it can be clearly established that the service is genuinely and urgently needed, especially when their circumstances have already depleted their resources.] Through this activity, DSWD-10 aims to strengthen collaboration with service providers while ensuring compliance, transparency, and the smooth processing of GL payments under the AICS program. ###