SP authorizes MOA with DWSD for implementation of AICS

The 19th City Council during its regular session yesterday presided over by Vice Mayor Raineir Joaquin V. Uy enacted an ordinance authorizing City Mayor Oscar S. Moreno to enter into and sign the Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) with the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Regional Office No. 10.

The MOA covers the collaboration of the parties in the implementation in the city of the Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situation (AICS) as part of DSWD’s protective services to the poor, marginalized, vulnerable/disadvantaged individuals or families in local government units under Enhanced Community Quarantine (ECQ).

Under the MOA, the city shall identify, validate and certify the eligible beneficiaries who will receive the assistance based on the target beneficiaries’ parameters set in the DSWD Special AICS Guidelines and the DSWD-DILG-DND JMC No. 2, Series of 2020 and issue a certification attesting to the fact that such list of beneficiaries has been validated by the concerned City Social Welfare and Development Officer and certified by the city mayor.

It shall also ensure that the identified targets and/or beneficiaries understand that the collection and processing of their data is pursuant to the purpose. The city shall take full responsibility in the proper disposition/disbursement of funds, determine the most efficient arrangement with each beneficiary on how the assistance shall be delivered taking into consideration the strict protocol on home quarantine, social distancing, and the guidelines imposed by the IATF on COVID-19, among others.

For its part, the DSWD shall release funds equivalent to the number of beneficiaries reflected in the approved project proposal submitted by the city, coordinate with the DILG, PNP, or AFP or other agency, and send personnel to payout sites to strictly monitor the distribution of assistance, disbursement and utilization of funds by the city.

The legislation was certified urgent by the city mayor and duly endorsed by all members of the City Council.