s@DswD yw MEMORANDUM CIRCULAR Note SERIES OF 2024 SUBJECT : GUIDELINES IN THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE AYUDA SA KAPOS ANG KITA PROGRAM (AKAP) RATIONALE ‘Accoiding to the National Economie and Development Authority (NEDA), the Country's fullyear average inflaton rate for 2023 Is pegged a: 6.0 percent Inflation for most commodity groups either slowed down of retained theit Previous rates. However, rice Inflation rose to 19.6 percent in December 2023, from 15 8 peroent in November 2023. was also the most significant contributor to December 2023's inflation with 1.7 percentage points (pp), folowed by food ‘and beverages services and housing rentals with 0.5 ppt each, In simple terms, inflation isthe inease inthe prices of goods and services. As part of the governments efforts fo address inflation and protect the purchasing ower of Filpino families, the General Appropriations Act (GAA) of 2024 provided for measures to address the inflation problem especial forthe most ‘vulnerable sectors ensuring they can meet thelr basic needs despite the ‘economic challenges posed by the rising inflation. Under the budget of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (CSW), the GAA mandated that the amount of Twenty-Six Billon Seven Hundred Milion Pesos (P26, 700,000.00) appropriated therein uncer the Ayuda ‘sa Kapos ang Kita Program (AKAP) shall be used to implemert and provide financial assistance to minimum wage eamers fling under the category of ow income that were severely affected by rising infation. further provided thatthe Implementation of ths provision is subjec othe guidelines to beissued by the DSWD and the existing budgeting, eccountng and audting rules and regulations, LEGAL BASES |A. General Appropriations Act of 2024, Special Provision No. 3, DSWD Budget, which authorized funding forthe Ayuda sa Kapos ang Kita Program, 8 Republic Act No. 11281 or the “Magna Carta of the Poor" wrich provides ‘that investments In anti-poverty programs to enable. the poor to fully Participate in te country’s growth and development shall be the top priority ofthe State = ares (S|C.Republic Act No. 11032 or the Ease of Doing Bushess and Etfciont Government Service Delivery Act of 2018 (EODB) which mandates al ofces {and agencies proving government services to regularly undertake cost Compliance analysis, time and motion studies, undergo evaluation and improvement oftheir transaction systems and procedures, and reengineer the same if deemed necessary to reduce bureaucralic ed tape and processing time. D.Philippine Development Plan 2023-2028, specifically Chapter 3 thereof enliled "Reduce Vuinerebiities and Protect Purchasing Power” IL PROGRAM COVERAGE AND LIMITATION ‘his Circular is issued to prescribe the guidelines inthe implementation ofthe AKAP authorlzed under the GAA of 2024, ‘The AKAP shall be Implemented as a targeted social assistance to incviduals. who may not have access to regular assistance on account of ther nt belonging to the poorest population. It Is intended to provide @ menu of ‘assistance for goods and services thal are affected by high infitin depending ‘on the needs ofthe Inaviduals ‘To qualify as a beneficiary under the AKAP, the individual must belong to ow.income category, Le. those whose income does not exceed the statutory minimum wag Beneficiaries of DSWD programs who are receiving regular essistance on ‘account of their inclusion inthe poor population under the Listahanan, such 8s those 4Ps household beneficiaries, and indigent senior cizens, shall be ineligible to receive any form of assistance provided under the AKAP, Beneficiaries who received food assistance, medical assistance, funeral ‘assistance and cash relief assistance under the AICS Program or the AKAP ‘hall be governed by the limitation and the rules on frequency of avaiment of assistance, IV, DEFINITION OF TERMS ‘As used in these guidelines, the folowing shall have the folowine meaning: 2, Authorized Representative -periins to a person of legal agerepresenting ‘a beneficiary who, for valid reason's, cannot be physically present to process and claim the assistance requested and approved by DSWD, ‘The fllowing are the allowed representatives under these guicelins:|. Immediate Family Member - refers to spouse of the beneficiary, son ‘or daughter of legal age of the beneficiary, ether parent of the beneficiary, brother or sister of legal age ofthe benefcary. ji. Other relatives up to fourth (Ath) cil degree of consanguinity or affinity, such as the uncles, auns, frst degree cousins, grandparents land grandchildren of the beneficiary, Hi. Common Law Spouse or Partner subject tothe presentation of a Barangay Certcation or an Affidavit of Cohabitation In extremely justifiable circumstances, any other individual may act @s en authorized representative of a beneficiary. Provided, thal sad inaividual shall rot be allowed to represent more than two (2) beneficiies who are Uncoated to himher for every ealendar year, For tis purpose, the Information ofthe representative shall also undergo the exose-matching process. . Beneficiary - pertains to an Inavidual whose income does nat exceed the statutory minimum wage and who is severely affected by the ring infaton. Itrefers to the person who actualy needs the assistance, of for whom on behalf the assistance is being sought fom the DSWD through an authorized representative. The beneficary shall be the ulimate redplent of the assistance. ©, Case Summary - pertains to a document prepared by any professional social worker that shall state the socio-economic situation of the client or beneficiary, as woll as hisfher assessment and recommendation for said Glient or beneficiary 4. Certificate of Eligibility (CE) - refers to the document issued by the DSWD, proving that the clent is elgble to recelve the services under tie AKAP. «2, Crossmatching - refers to the process of checking the information or data sets provided by the beneficiary or representative and counter-checkng it ith the information and data sets in the DSWD database, | General Intake Sheet (GIS) - refers tothe form used by the DSWD social workers to cain he basic information ofthe beneficiary and the authorized representative, the problem presented, and the assessment and recommended assistance, {9 Guarantee Letter (GL) - refers to a document issued by the DSWD in favor ofthe beneficiary addressad to service providers to guarantee the payment of goods or services.h. Minimum Wage Eamers ~ refers to lowsincome individuals eaming minimum wages mandated by the respective Regional Triparite Wage and PProduetivy Board (RTWPB) of the Department of Labor anc Employment (00Le}. |. Funds — refers to monetary resources of the DSWD allocated through GAA ‘that are used in financing its projects, programs, activites and expenditures, |. Service Providers - refers to hospitals, funeral homes and other service providers such as but not limited to, diagnostic laboratories, cles, ‘drugstores among others which are willng to accept the GL issued by the DSWD for payment of goods or services for the beneficiary. Social Case Study Report (SCSR) - refers to the document prepared by @ professional Social Worker In public and pivate practice, tha: describes in Seta the situation and conditions of the benefielay, including hither social history. The dooument likewise includes assessment, plan fo Intervention ‘and recommendation V. MODALITIES IN PROVIDING ASSISTANCE UNDER THE AKAP “The grant of nancial assistance to qualified beneficiaries can be implemented (A) lrectly by the DSWD through the Crisis intervention UniSeetions (CIU/S) at the Central and Field Offices (FO), respectively, and Social Welfare and Development Satelite Offices (SWAD Office) nationwide, or (B) through [DSWD's partners lke the Local Government Units (GUS). in both Instances, the provision of financial assistance shall be subject to the guidelines hereunder, ‘A. Implementation through CIUIs and SWAD Offices Qualified beneficiaries needing financial assistance for goods and services affected by high inflation may aval, subject tothe requirements and frequency of avalinent provided hereunder, ofthe following: a) Food Assistance - this is an outight cash assistance provided to meet the need for food and other nutitonal requirements for sustenance. ) Medical Assistance — this Is an outight cash or GL provited to cover hospitalization expenses and professional fees, cost of medicres and other medical treatment or procedures, such as implants, commen laboratory fests, and diagnostic Imaging for any lness or condten, inelcing postpartum complications. This assistance does not extend to other healthcare expenses that are unrelated to medical treatment or aftercare. ©) Funeral Assistance -this is an outight cash or GL provided fo cover funeral {and other related expenses including, but not limited to, transporting theeceased Indhvidual's remains to thelr residence or hometown, interment, cremation, and/or burial ste, adhering to the customary practices of the familly, paricularly among Indigenous Cultural Communites/ingigenous Peoples (IPs) and Moros. 4) Cash Relief Assistance — this Is an outight cash assistance provided to ualiied beneficiaries for reasons other than for food, medal or funeral fexpenses, which upon the assessment of the DSWD social worker, may ‘appear to be directly related tothe effects of high inflation (i=, elfcuty in paying for house rental, electricity and water expanses, ele) Financial assistanoe may be given in outright cash Ifthe amount of assistance ranges trom P,000.00 to P10,000.00, eubject to the assessment the OSWO social worker. For assistance above 10,000.00, the same shal be provided {trough a Guarantee Letter approved by the Department Secrelay o his duly ‘authorized representative. The issuance and release of a GL under the AKAP shall be governed by the existing rules and regulations ofthe Department on the matter, including eny amendments thereto, ‘The distribution of assistance is without prejudice to adoption of égltal payment solutions once the necessary infrastructure is in place. B. Implementation through LGUs ‘The AKAP may also be implemented through the DSWD's partners like LGUs wh are able and ving to assist the DSWD. However, the financial assistance ‘that willbe proved to qualified beneficiaries through the LGUs shall be called fice assistance because it shall be used for purchasing rice to meet the ‘utitional equiremens for sustenance. For this purpose, the DSWD shall enter Ino a Memorandum of Agreement with the LGUs to spel out the details ofthe transfer of funds and the requirements for ts iquidaion, in accordance wit the existing budgeting, accounting and aueiting rules and reguiations, ‘The amount of rice assistance that can be provided to qualified beneficiaries shall be equivalent to half ofthe cost of twenty-five (25) Klograms of rice based ‘on the suggested retall price from the Department of Agriculture. Further, the ‘amount of each fund transfer to the LGU for this purpose shall not exceed P20 Millon. ‘The financial assistance under the AKAP may complement any support provided by the LGU, government agencies, and nor-government ‘organizetions. Further, a benefciry who has receved rice assistance through the LGU may sill qualify o receive medical, tuneral of cash relist assistance from the DSWD, subject to the requirements under these guidelines, professional assessment of the DSWD social worker and the avallabily of funds.VL DOCUMENTARY REQUIREMENTS In accordance with the EODB law, and to afford ease of beneficiary experince, the AKAP shall adopt the list of documentary requirements, as applicable, in ‘similar programs of the DSWD. Any change in the documentary requirements may be contained in supplemental issuance or guidance notes. The identity of @ qualified beneficiary may be established by providing @ photocopy of a govemmentissued ID, sted in Annex A with the folowing etal: a. It must be valid atthe time of the assistance application ». It should nat exhibit any signs of being counterfeit or suspicous ©. Itshould have a clear and recognizable photograph of the tenefciary. 4. it must display the applicants full name, address, signature (except for Phys ID or ePhilD), and date of birt, However, in exceptional cases or circumstances caused by natural or human- Induced disasters, where the beneficiary could not present a valid ID, 2 Justification with beneficiarylbeneficiaries’ actual photo captured by the DSWD social worker and explaining the absence of the VAUD ID wil be ‘accepted 2s sufficient documentation. This measure ensures tat individuals facing legitimate constraints stil have the opportunity to access the assistance they need ‘Additionally, the GIS and CE are forall beneficiaries and must bekeptin either hard or electronic copy. The GIS is considered a confidential document, and its secure storage must adhere to the laws, rules, and regulations on data privacy ‘governing the protection of senstve information. To ensure uniformly and ‘consistency in the documentation process across all regions, the PMB-CID wil distribute editable copies ofthe standardized GIS and CE formsto be utiized bby DSWD offices nationwide In order to prove that the beneficlary is @ minimum wage eamer, any of the following documentsrecord Issued within three (3) months may be submited ‘98 addiional supporting documents, as may be applicable: 2, Contract of Employment duly signed by the parties: . Cerificate of Employment with Compensation (COE) indicating the full name and signature of any issuing office; ©, Income Tax Retun (ITR) BIR Form 2316/Audited Financial Siaterent with full name and signature of any issuing officer, or Cerificate of Tax Exemation, as applicable: of 4. Such other document that would show that the client's income does not ‘exceed the statutory minimum wage. Below are the documentary requirements for each type of assistance shal besubmited in orginaicertifed true copies, to wit “Type of Assistance ecumentary Requirements lee Aasleance ay aed Weniaton docurant a8 waed hana A, nd ‘Any suppoting document stated above, hat can prove that {he Benatar lee minimum wage ame erfsbng one the eatgor of ow income. Feed ReaTanee "Any vals eniaaon coca, 6 sean Annee A nd, ‘Ay supporting document state above hatcanprove thet the bentley i a minimum wage came ling under ‘te eatery et income edie asian payment or hospital ba 7a vals inbeation dosnt a Slated WARAR A, ‘Any supporting document sated shove, hatean povethat {he Benes ie a minimum wage eamerorfting onder the eatagory aflowsncomes sr ‘Any ft folowing: + Medica! Certoate ot Abstract wih cate of Issuance complete name, signature and lense numberof tending physician ese within the ‘© Discharge summary with dato o° issuance, rma neme,sigrtre and leans number of the atendng physican (eeues wih he at 3 months + Certente or continent with dt ot esuano, onpeie ram, eignatreand earserumber of Sera ‘pian nse win eat 3 1+ Aspara Pinoy Tegubin Foe wih azn dat Gtiseuance, comple cama sgntreane less umber of sending prysiin (se! win fe (aut mona), 1 Reto Cee rom Mazak Canter sod by {ie dy aasgned OSD cool wore of Medial Depending on the purpose cf te media esstance, the lent shal submit eny ofthe folowing requremns, ‘dant the bale requirements ave: 1+ TemporayiFinal Hospi! 6a of Ssloment of ‘count (Oulstancng Beane). wih compete ‘ama end signature fe ling ao ‘+ Contato Balaneso Promisor Net patent fad Been dachargud tom te hosp“Type Assistance Documentary Requirements W for medteesiessitve | prescipton wih dete of lsuance, complete oes nate, signature and leanwe numberof tending Biysien (esd win the at’3 osha or + Tetgmentprotooa wth te"! aru, compat ne, signature ee Beene number sitening ‘physi ested win fe lost 3 months} 4+ Laberatny request with data lsuance, fer mesial recedes fale ame, sigetire nd Heenes numberof Sted peor fused tn to 2 4+ Uiteratoy Prtecal wih. dle of isuane ‘ompste ham, signa and Teens roma of Standing pilin (eeved win lst 3 mona) oF + Doctors Grier wit date of esusce, cole ame, signature and anwe numberof tending ‘syste (petra vatdfor'3 ones) + TWeament prices! wth date ot suse, It for therapy and oer Compal nae, elgnatue and leans umber of special eatment ‘Stenng ‘pillar Yosued win te lest 3 Fonte) of + PhiMestn oertfeaton thet their coverage Ie fthaused or ‘+ Presepion wth date of lesuane, complete ame, lature sndlcenee number stenag pin sued wit th at 3 mont) oF «+ Boctre" rr win ate ‘of eeu, corel ame signature ar feence number 9 Standing plan (tera va for 3 mont) ‘+ Guotaton with ful ame and ignite of any ‘Shing afees or ‘+ Poyenitit o peychologst cartoon with date ‘fdavece, compete name; sorauread heres fumbor of atoning physlan(aeucd win to Get3 worms) tthe amountot asstnge | © Quoaion fo laboratory or epecilednes, Ieamoncarsote Preto | + Soatsaesureay rant swoow se DSWD ohn be ae Social eres of mialsocl workers hose anal aegis or Soil Werte of NGOe Funeral Assistance | Any vad lnfeaton document, s sated h Arnot A and, ‘Any supporting dcoumsntstaed above, hatcanprovethat the benef is «minum wage eae or lg under the catogory ef ownome, an ay ofthe flown:Type of Assstance Documentary Requrements + Cofteaten tom the HosplalDoatautorasd ‘nodea practioneinme (or Mare) an Tit ‘© Any te fotoving as may bs apples © Funeral Contact (expt for Moo and IPs pafoming customary practese) or © Stetoment of Acount or © Cartetn fom he Barangay ht the fay Image the caskat but have det pay er the Inara sna other expen Transfer Permit if ssetanoe for wanter of cadaver requested separate or lng Win ‘her tems uncer ner! ssstnes Proved that a Gericatoof Balance or Promissory Note Isroqured shoul thre be neal expenses if unpaid Ht the amount of assictance requested oxcee Phpt000000, wil be teugh GL and © SOSRIC Summary tom Be LSWDO oF DSWD Soil Worker ot MSW? inhogpis or Sek! Weer of NGOs sh also be roquted Funeral and rated expanses de oa eae, calamity, ‘nar cle! events or nar cumstances ‘oe or mule oscuatee wien the fry may allow the Surving fay member ortho oloooet made reatve Gt tne deceased to fequest oon ch esestance utjct othe aseceument ofthe DSWO Stil Water, vino te ned ofa SCSR, ‘Cash Rei Asan “Ray vai rian aout ond 2. Any supporting document sated above at can ove ‘hatte benaary lea minimum wage came rang Under the etegary af owincane, 3. tye document tat woud show being tate by Fiphinfaton, tke the fact of nerploymant yo of ‘piacerand om wok, ofheleleny of wage prove for bate noes, atthe bef aeiancs spoeaton, In exceptional circumstances where a document listed above cannot be reasonably produced, but the Tacls can be veried or proved during the assessment, the DSWD social worker may provide a justification to support the provision of assistance to the cient. Provided that such lustfiation shall be approved by the CIU Head CID ChietGIS Head/SWAD Team Leader.For auditing purposes, the CE and al other eupporting dacumerts, except the GS, shal be submitted to the Finance and Management Servce/Unit (MSIL). ‘These requirements shall be printed and displayed cleay outside the premises of the DSWD CO and FOICISISWAD Offices, and translated fh the Flipino language or such local dialects, as applicable. The PMB and its respective FO counterparts shall coordinate withthe Digital Marketing Service/Uat, whichever |e applicable, to come up with the templated Information, esucaion and communication materials (tarpaulins, leaflet, etc.) that may be replicated by the Fos, ‘The clients who wil present dacuments which appear-o be fekerfraudulent ‘shall be endorsed tothe Legal Service (LS) andior thelr FO counterparts, for appropriate action. VI IMPLEMENTING PROCEDURE For the guidance of program implementers, the step-by-step procedure on onsite and off-site implementation being adopted in the AICS program may ‘apply in the implementation of the AKAP. Since these are merely provided to ensure better administrative arrangements, any improvement or emendment hereto may be contained in @ supplemental issuance or Guidance Notes. ‘A. Onsite implementation or Assessment of Individual Clients within the ‘DSWD Offices (CIU/CIS/SWAD Offices) STEP 1: Screening 8) DSWD personnel shall check the validity and completeness of the required documents presented by the client Ifthe documents are found to be incomplete, invalid, and inaccurate to ‘support the request, the cent wil be requested to complete the ‘documentary requirements needed as listed inthe compliance sip or refer to the corresponding program concerned, It documents are found to be complete, valid, and accurate, the cent wil bbe subjected to crossmatching to check the previous avaiments of the assitance, If found to have availed assistance beyond the allowed frequency of availment, the cent wil be advised of the limitations on the provisions based on ihe guidelines as stipulated herein. Otherwise, proveed to STEP 2.[STEP 2: Interview and Assessment 2) The DSWD social worker shall interview and assess the client as well as the documentary requirements presented, and determine the following: |. Identity the actual need of the client and the sccuracy and authenticity of the documents presented during the interview ‘assessment; and |. Fillout the information in the GIS and the CE. D)If determined to be eligible to receive assistance, the DSWD Social Worker shall recommend the appropriateness of assistance. iL For fnancial assistance amounting to P10,000.00 and below which ‘does not require GL, the assistance shall be provided in cash, In this the clint will be advised to proceed to Stop 4 releasing |i. For assistance amounting to more than P 10,000.00, a GL shall be prepared by a DSWD personnel and wil be subjected for review and approval together with the GIS, CE and justiieation. 1, Ifthere is a need for further intervention, a referral lel to another agency shall be prepared by the DSWD Social Worker and to be reviewed and approved by the head of CIDICISISWAD er hisiher duly authorized representative, €) If determined to be ineligible, the client will be advised to comply wih the ‘appropriate and correct documentary requirements or shall be refered to the appropriate office for assistance. STEP 3: Review and Approval of Assistance Ifthe authorized offcial finds the request valid and complete, the request shall be approved, otherwise the case wil be referred back tothe attending DSWD social worker. STEP 4: Releasing of Assistance 4) All approved requests. shall be forwarded to the SDORDO/DSWD personnel for releasing depending on the mode of assistance, Financial ‘Assistance willbe released by the RegulatiSpecialDisbursirg Offices of the FMSIU or the designated disbursing offioer for cash, of to the CIUICIS/OSWWD SWAD Personnel forthe release of GL. B.Offeite Implementation or Assessment of individual clients outside ‘DSWD offices (CIVICIS/SWAD Offices), especialy for the purpose of ‘serving beneficiaries in remofe areas or where the services may be Better served in bigger and secure locations nearest the beneficiaries‘A group of individuals identiled or endorsed to DSWD shall undergo cross: "matching prior to the date of the implementation to avoid duplication while the assessment and provision of assistance shall be based on these ‘uidelines or such guidance notes ae may be issued for this purpose, During the implementation proper, the folowing process shall be followed: STEP 4: VALIDATION ‘The DSWD Personnel shall check the cents presented valid 1D to eneure ‘matches the information inthe master et before provasdng tothe ret step, STEP 2: INTERVIEW AND ASSESSMENT “The assigned personnel shall fl-out the entfying information ofthe cllent in the GIS; the DSWD social worker fo conduct an interview and assessment ‘and establish the eligibility ofthe clant and complete the fling out ofthe GIS and CE, STEP 3: REVIEW AND RELEASE OF ASSISTANCE ‘The assistance shall be released upon the determination of the correctness ‘and completeness of documents which shall serve as the basis for the eliibilty ofthe client .[mplomentation of Rice Assistance through the LGUs 1. A Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) governing the transfer of funds for the rice assistance shall be executed between the LGU ané the DSWD. ‘The execution of MOA with LGUs which have pending unliquidated balances from previous fund transfer from the DSWD can 2¢ done only upon prior authoiy from the Commission on Audit (COA 2 The LGU. shall take full responsibilty in che _ proper dlispositionidisbursement of funds in accordance with existing accounting ‘and ausiting rules and regulations imposed by the COA Cirsular No. 84- (013, and other applicable accounting and auaiting manuals used by the ‘Government, unless there is @ special exemption provided by the COA: 43. During the payout, the LGU shall ensure fo keep the followin: 2. List of beneficiaries or distribution list elgned by the beneficiaries; '. Photocopy of the benetfclares’dentieation cards and thal signatures: ©, Photo dacumentation ofthe conduct of release of rice assistance; and, 4. Certifeation of Rice Assistance Distribution duly signed by the authorized official's ofthe concemed LGUs,4. Submit monthy report of the number of beneficiaries who received rice ‘assistance and the amount disbursed to the DSWD FO for onward ‘submission to the PMB; 5, Submitto the concemed DSWD FO the following liquidation and financial reporting documents within tity (80) days from the last day of cistibution ofthe rice assistance, viz; €, Report of checks (ROC) issued or report of disbursements (ROD) duly certied by the LGU accountant and approved by the LCE: b. Distribution List of Rice Assistance beneficiaries signed by the beneficiaries: and, ©, Copy of Official Receipt for any refund of unutiized belence; 6. The LGU shall Keop and maintain financial accounting records forthe ‘transferred funds in accordance with the Generally Accepted Accounting and Auditing principles. VII. RATE OF ASSISTANCE AND FREQUENCY OF AVAILMENT The rates of assistance and the frequency of avallment shal be as follows: Cost of Assistance | Frequerey of Tinimum [Wasim] _Avanent ia Food sbsiy | No mre than ha of Be cost | Once eve ree ‘scstance | for indviul! | of weny five (25) Koga | months Sugpssted ret pce ttm | The oe astance the Deparnent ot maybe peed on are fopofany ssstance proves, Type | Partiulars er fund vansterto an Lou shal bo ne more han Php20 ion, Meat —] Hosp [00000] 100000 | everal Fis Once Desiree fray aumesion fdacharge Brooptons: Foe fron masse Themes Pe hoeptazators amsion ‘he taqueneyofavalinet pacers the mt on he number ofine a lent may avs of patel ype of scsktance i gen peted and this shoud NOT be nites so gg the len De Piivlegepremium co clam he eeltance ropes as he pelos cone. Evens repel eourng lant fe hose wth mahtanares medians) wl undetgo esesemenl every te else ques feraeetenceCost of Assatance Frequency of| me eles | ainimum [Maximum] _Avaiment* Tadnas 000.00 — 80,000.00 | Onee every ae abet months Proceso ‘ihe eee 5, but nt times ates ehomatheay,| inpnt and preperation Faneat | Fonerel ‘O00T | — SOG00D | Gener Ral Per Assonce [Expenses benef nein! Tanaar oF sofdeah Caaiaer TWODODD] eval endpecess one ea rive sores tthe secs Sane tne. cenily Finer ant raster reads Subject tothe rwcommentaton of Dra at he Cone Offset ourepars at the Fos, Food Food_aunsiay | 2000.00] —O7000.08 | General Rie: Once Aasitancs [for insu! ‘rey tree month ‘aries excep Patents ore every sniscon ‘Gash Ral [Omarneods | 200000] —TOMOUDT ones ter every Aasetance sppleable cident Provided that any typeof assistance shal be subject to the avaliatity of funds. Further, the above rate of assistance shall not limi the attending DSWD social worker from undertaking the folowing a. Recommend a higher amount, subject to hismer assessment and justification ofthe cfent’s cumstances. Provided thatin such cases, there ‘shall be a SCSRIcase summary to support the provision of higher amount. Further, the kind af assistance shall be validated by the Supenising SocalWorker In the CIUICIS Head/SWAD Team Leader and approved by the proper authority . Recommend for the provision of assistance for chronic illnesses beyond the authorized frequency or time duration subject to DSWD Social Worker's assessment and justification which shall be validsted by the CIUICIS, Head/SWAD Team Leader and approved by the proper authoiy. ‘6. Recommend forthe provision of several types of asistance cr combination thereof may be allowed subject to the assessment of the DSWD Social ‘Worker and approved by the proper author, subject othe avallabilty of funds, 4. Recommend an adjusted rate or frequency of avalimert of medical assistance for COVID-19 or other disease-related medical conditions, during the State of Public Heslth Emergency or other medical condtions (Le. cllents diagnosed with chronic diseases wiih kidney llment undergoing claiysis, and those cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy), or during a Stale of Calamity in some areas declared by the National Government. For these cases, hospitalization, medicines and laboratory procedures (for out- patient) may be provided once @ month or as may be warrented with the Fate of assistance not exceeding the celing provided for each avaliment, based on the assessment and ustifcation by the DSWD sorial worker as validated and by the CIUICIS Head/SWAD Team Leader and proper authority, respectively. Provided tha, every request for assistance shall be ‘supported wih the complete requirements ofthe client 1X, APPROVING AUTHORITY ‘The range of fnancal assietance that will be directly disbursed by the DSWD to the beneficiary and the authorized approving oficial orhisMher alternate shall be contained in a Special Order tobe issued by the Secretary X. INSTITUTIONAL SUPPORT The other Offlee, Bureau, Service and Units (OBSUs) of the Deparment, together with their FO counterparts, shall extend the necessary support to give effect to the provisions and objectives of ths Circular. Special, the folowing (OBSUs, together with their FO counterparts: A. The FMS shall assign disbursing officers and facilitate the release and availabiliy of cash in the dally operations of the AKAP nationwide, and fensure the prompt settlement of dues to service providers andlor fund transfers to fnancial institutions for digital payments, applable. 'B. The AS shall provide technical assistance and augmentation suppor forthe security and maintenance personnel, supplies, including in the procurement ‘DG OFTCEOF ne SECRETINY GROUP| OTIC OF FE SECRETARTXt ‘of equipment as well a the corresponding repairs and maintenance needed toimplement the AKAP. C. Legal Service (LS), in coordination with the Administrative Serie (paticulry with the security), shall assist in handling ering DSWD Personnel as well as olients Who would atlempt to present fraudulent ‘documents to avail assistance from the AKAP. The LS shall refer the matter to the appropriate law enforcement agency ole the necessary complaint fas representative! plainti’ for the Department to the proper authoities/forum, for investigation, prosecution or final reson. D. The ICTMS shall provide technical assistance for the development, ‘enhancement and implementation ofthe information system used forthe ‘program implementation, for monitoring purposes and ensuring that cents {are prevented from availing assistance beyond the allowable Tequency, In caseslareas with poorintermitentino connection, the ICTMS shall provide technical assistance in the development of the necessary feature to perform offine ctossmatching and to sync the data captured once internet ‘Connection is stable ‘The ICTMS shall provide technical assistance to enue that the necessary Information and Communication Technology requirement for the Implementation of the program nationwide is aligned with the requirements ‘of the DICT for endorsement in the Information Systems Strategie Plan of the Department. ‘The ICTMS shall provide comprehensive technical assistance ensure that the development of the information system adheres to the standards of software development and that the privacy and securly 2y design is Integrated throughout the systems development cycle, , Agency Operations Service (AOS) shall inital response to the simple Inguites ofthe clients regarding the qualification and implementation ofthe AKAP received through the various platforms managed by the AOS (official DSWD hotine, email, 8888 hotlines, CSC Contact Genter ng Bayan, IGRMS. Public Portal and Wetlcin clients of the PACD). F, Digital Media Service shall provide assistance to ensure that publ ‘awareness about the AKAP. GRIEVANCE MECHANISM CIUICIS and SWAD Setelite Offices shall implement two mechanisms in handling grievances and complaints. These are responded and processed via ‘wo modalies: (1) Written Communication and Email which is hendled by the Grievance Focal Person (GFP), and (2) Personal or Onsite Complaints thr thePublic Assistance Complaint Desk (PACD). A separate guideline shall be Iseued to this effec, Xll,_ REPORTING, MONITORING AND EVALUATION, ‘The Program Management Bureau- Crisis Intervention Divisien (PMB-CID) shall be the primary office responsible to monitor and provide technical assistance to the FOS In the implementation of the AKAP in collaboration with the Office of the Undersecretary for Operations and the Assistanl Secrelay for Statutory Programs. ‘The PMB shall maintain @ consolidated physical and financial report on the ‘overall implementation of AKAP and shall provide reports as requested. Thus, the FOs shall submit regular reports as required or requested by the CO andlor the Management indicating the physical and financial datainfomation to be submited online or whichever is applicable. ‘A narrative analysis on the status ofthe implementation of the program shall be ‘submited by the FOs fo the PMB-CID with copies provided tothe Office of the Undersecretary for Operations and Assistant Secretary for Statutory Programs, Forthis purpose, the FOs shall ensure that all CIUICIS/SWAD offces shall have atleast one (1) reporting focal person who shall submit to the CIS Reporting Focal Person for onward submission to the PMB-CID, Xill, EFFECTIVITY ‘This Memorandum Cleular shall take effect immediatly upon is publication in the Official Gazette or in a newspaper of general circulation. Leta copy ofthis IMC be fled with the Office of the National Administatve Register, UP Law Center. REX QRTCHALIAN retary Date: 2D FER anh Certitiea rue Copy withers; De ee at 4) MAR makAnnex é List of Government Valid ID such as but not limited to: PhilsyslePhilD (COMELEGIVoters 10 Passport Drivers License SSS [D/ UMID Gsis ID/UMID Pageibig ID Philhealth ID ‘OWWA OFW e-Card ‘Senior Citzen ID Integrated Bar ofthe Philippines 1D Postal ID Solo Parent 10 Pwo ID INBI Clearance Police clearance Barangay ID/ City ID/ Municipal ID PRC ID TINID AFPSLAIID 24, Enlisted Personnel |D 22. Seaman's Book