DBM okays release of P3B for govt aid program

THE Department of Budget and Management (DBM) has approved the release of P3 billion in additional funds to cover the budget deficiency for the Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situation (AICS) program of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD).

Budget Secretary Amenah Pangandaman, in a statement, said the release of the additional funds will allow the continuous grant of assistance to individuals and families in dire need.

Pangandaman said a Special Allotment Release Order (SARO) and its corresponding Notice of Cash Allocation (NCA) was issued on November 16, 2023 to support the budget release.

“We will continue to strengthen social protection measures for our kababayans, especially the marginalized and vulnerable sectors,” Pangandaman said.

AICS is one of the key DSWD services that provides medical assistance and burial, transportation, education, food, or financial assistance for other support services or needs of a person or family.

The release of additional funding is anchored on the special provision in the 2023 General Appropriations Act on the use of Unprogrammed Appropriations (UA).

The special provision states that a substantial amount shall be used to support infrastructure projects and social programs, including financial assistance to indigent individuals or families.

Special Provision No. 1 of the UA provides that the amounts can only be availed when there are new or excess revenue collections.