The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) secured the House Committee on Appropriations’ support on its appeal to restore funding for its Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situation (AICS) program amid its budget reduction in the 2026 National Expenditure Program (NEP).
In defending the proposed P223.2-billion DSWD budget, Secretary Rex Gatchalian reported that almost 3 million Filipinos in crisis may not be able to receive government aid, if the budget cut for AICS pushes through.
“For 2026, because of the reduced AICS budget, the target has been reduced from around 6 million to 3.6 million,” Gatchalian told the House Committee on Appropriations on Wednesday.
“So, we would be underserving next year—projected if the National Expenditure Program (NEP) is to be followed, for AICS alone, 2,978,543 individuals,” he added.
The DSWD chief’s statement was in response to the inquiry of Negros Occidental 6th District Rep. Mercedes Alvarez on the effects of the decrease in AICS funds.
Gatchalian noted that with the removal of the Ayuda sa Kapos ang Kita Program (AKAP) in the 2026 budget, which currently assists around 4 million clients, the total number of potential unserved beneficiaries could reach over 7 million.
During the deliberations, several lawmakers expressed their support for restoring or even increasing the AICS budget to ensure that Filipinos in crisis will not be left behind.
For 2026, the proposed budget for AICS is P27-billion, which can cater to more than 3.6 million.
“The department’s proposed 2026 budget of PHP223.2 billion reflects our continuing commitment to protect the poor, empower communities, and build resilience against risk and vulnerabilities. We thank Congress for the support given to DSWD over the years,” Gatchalian told lawmakers.
He said the proposed budget will sustain flagship programs such as AICS, the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps), Supplementary Feeding Program (SFP), and Sustainable Livelihood Program (SLP). —With PNA
