The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) will temporarily suspend the issuance of Guarantee Letters (GLs) under the Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situation (AICS).
The pause in GL issuances would facilitate the annual liquidation process and complete the payments to service providers who have already assisted beneficiaries.
“We have issued guidance to our Field Offices to observe the last day of issuance of the guarantee letter, which should not be later than December 13,” Assistant Secretary Irene Dumlao told journalists.
Dumlao, who serves as spokesperson for the DSWD, clarified that the suspension of the GL will not impact the provision of AICS assistance to clients in crisis. Those in need can still access cash assistance for services amounting to P10,000 or less.
“The DSWD will still assist the AICS clients in the form of cash worth P10,000 and below. Next year, once we have settled all obligation requests and disbursement vouchers, we could already resume with the issuance of the GL,” Dumlao added.
She also announced that the agency would suspend its offsite payouts to focus on finalizing financial requirements.
“Any offsite or the one where we conduct the payout in the covered court or in the barangay hall, that will be stopped temporarily. So, we encourage our clients to visit our Satellite Offices or Field Offices,” Dumlao said.
DSWD pauses issuance of Guarantee Letters under AICS program
