More than just forming partnership, Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situations (AICS) of Department of Social Welfare and Development Field Office Cordillera Administrative Region (DSWD FO CAR), aims in sustaining a partnership towards common goals with its service providers to give utmost service to the vulnerable sectors.

Through the Learning Conversation of Crisis Intervention Section (CIS), AICS strengthened partnership with service providers such hospitals, medical centers, and funeral homes in providing effective and efficient services to the program’s beneficiaries. It serves as a platform for open discussion with the AICS service providers anchoring the 4C’s of partnership – Communication, Coordination, Cooperation and Collaboration.

Communication

During the recent Learning Conversation with CIS Service Providers on 24 October 2025 at Chalet Hotel, Baguio, as one of the service providers shared, communication is one of their good practices in the program implementation of AICS.

Open communication between the service providers and CIS Satellite Office and Field Office ensures that concerns are promptly addressed, promoting efficiency and teamwork in the process of program implementation. One concern raised was the clarification on the payment cutoff. CIS Officer explained that from a memorandum issued by the Central Office, this is intended to minimize accounts payable, as it has an impact on the budget for the succeeding fiscal year. However, there would still be cash assistance of beneficiaries until December.

 CIS Officer also addressed the matter on properly identifying and accessing the beneficiaries who are in need to promote fairness and ensure that assistance is provided based on actual need rather than the cost of services availed.

Two ways to avail AICS financial assistance are through (1) direct cash payout for smaller amount, which is lesser than Php 10,000.00 wherein beneficiaries can receive the cash assistance directly from a DSWD disbursing officer, and another, through a  (2) Guarantee Letter (GL) for larger sums, over Php 10,000.00, wherein once approved the cash assistance will be released through the specified financial institution or designated partner office.

With these addressed issues and concerns, right and timely communication between AICS and its service providers is one key to deliver clear policies and guidelines on the process and implementation of AICS program.

Coordination

The synergy of integrated efforts between AICS and its partners comes with clearly defined roles, responsibilities, and lines of accountability, along with the alignment of shared outcome and common objectives, a common purpose to promptly serve and deliver services to DSWD clients.

As reiterated during the Learning Conversation with the service providers, the “15 Commandments for Service Providers” as shown below, serve as the guiding principles to align with DSWD’s operation and partnership.

15 Commandments on the Partnership between DSWD and Service Providers

1. Thou shall have a business/sanitary permit, license to operate and store/building for the provision of services to the clients
2. Thou shall have an official receipt.
3. Thou shall adhere to “no refund policy.” In case of violation, contractwill be terminated when caught to have been giving refund to the client.
4. Thou shall not be involved in fraudulent transactions.
5. Thou shall grant credit line to DSWD.
6. Thou shall offer competitive and reasonable prices of their services.
7. Thou shall deliver the requested service upon receipt of the Guarantee Letter issued by DSWD from the beneficiary with valid ID.
8. Thou shall reflect the amount of assistance provided by other agencies and the terminal discount being availed by the client in the Statement of Account.
9. Thou shall offer 20% discount to Senior Citizens and PWD clients/beneficiaries.
10. Thou shall attend Learning Conversation with CIS Service Providersto address issues and concerns encountered.
11. Thou shall stamp or indicate purpose for DSWD Use Only to all documentary requirements.
12. Thou shall not accept verbal or written pledges from CIS staff and partners instead only the GLs signed by DSWD approving authorities
13. Thou shall answer/ respond phone calls/text messages made by CIS staff in inquiring prices and availability of the service needed by the client.
14. Thou shall give full treatment and dissemination to the clients.
15. Thou shall submit documents for the renewal of contract at least a month before the expiration date.

 Cooperation and Collaboration

“DSWD has been very helpful since our partnership. We’ve been partners since 2010, and we are happy working with you. Thank you for the opportunity to partner with you in serving the individuals and families in crisis,” Jojie Ablaza of Surgicare Corp., one of CIS service providers said.

Through collaborative efforts, this partnership enhances the delivery of crisis intervention services, ensuring that those affected receive timely, effective, and compassionate support. The good practices shared during the Learning Conversation were the testament. One good practice shared was prompt compliance of GL and Transmittal of SOA as soon as the client has been served, reducing payment delays and resulting to uninterrupted service to clients. And other example was the Appsheet  shared with service providers which serves as an efficient monitoring system for GLs issued to clients, allowing hassle-free tracking of assessed amounts and payment status.

“By working together, this partnership leverages collective strengths to address the complex needs of individuals and families, promoting resilience, stability, and well-being. Let’s continue to uphold integrity, transparency and quality service in all our partnership,” Regional Director Maria A. Catbagan – Aplaten said. # DSWD FIELD OFFICE CAR, SOCIAL MARKETING UNIT, MAYROSE U. CARIÑO