DSWD to temporarily stop guarantee letters

MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) will temporarily stop issuing guarantee letters (GLs) to seekers of aid or ayuda before the year ends to make way for account settlement and annual liquidation.

The pause in GL issuance under the Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situation (AICS) will allow the agency to process annual liquidation and to complete the payments to service providers who have already assisted beneficiaries, DSWD Assistant Secretary and spokesperson Irene Dumlao said.

The last day of the issuance of GLs will be on Dec. 13.

Dumlao clarified this move will “not impact the provision of AICS assistance to clients in crisis.”

GL is a document issued by DSWD addressed to service providers that guarantees the payment of services or medicines on behalf of the client.

Dumlao noted that those in need can still access cash assistance for services amounting to P10,000 or less.

She also announced that DSWD would suspend its offsite payouts, such as those done in barangay halls, to focus on finalizing financial requirements.

Meanwhile, Sen. Imee Marcos assured the public, on behalf of the DSWD, that the agency is committed to revising its AICS guidelines to include the provision of medical assistance to qualified beneficiaries in Malasakit Centers.

This is pending the proposed Joint Administrative Order among the DSWD, Department of Health, Philippine Health Insurance Corp. and the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office, which has yet to sign the JAO.

The JAO aims to expand the medical assistance for indigent patients in Malasakit Centers.

Once all the concerned agencies have signed the new JAO, the DSWD can start providing medical-related assistance to beneficiaries in Malasakit Centers and they need not proceed to the DSWD field offices or Social Welfare and Development Offices in the provinces.