No more early lines with larger CIU office, streamlined process – DSWD

By Zaldy De Layola, Philippine News Agency

LARGER SPACE. Department of Social Welfare and Development personnel serve clients at the new Crisis Intervention Unit at the Paragon Place along Commonwealth Avenue in Quezon City in an undated photo. DSWD Secretary Rex Gatchalian on Tuesday (March 3, 3036) said the upgraded space was designed to make transactions faster, more orderly and more comfortable for beneficiaries. (Photo: PNA)

MANILA – The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) has assured the public that lining up early is no longer necessary for those seeking assistance with the expansion of the Crisis Intervention Unit (CIU) at the DSWD’s Commonwealth Satellite Office in Quezon City.

The CIU satellite office at Paragon Place along Commonwealth Avenue now operates in a larger, three-story, fully air-conditioned facility serving as a central hub for the DSWD’s Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situations (AICS) program.

In a radio interview, DSWD Secretary Rex Gatchalian said the upgraded space was designed to make transactions faster, more orderly and more comfortable for beneficiaries.

“Ang lagi naming sinasabi is hindi niyo kailangang maaga pumunta, kahit na may araw na kayong pumunta dahil mabilis lang naman ang proseso (As we always say, you don’t have to go early, you can go there even if the sun is up because the process is fast),” Gatchalian said.

To prevent overcrowding, a daily cap of 1,400 clients has been set. Those who arrive beyond the cutoff are issued a QR code indicating a scheduled return date, ensuring a guaranteed slot without the need to queue overnight.

“Kung meron kanang QR code, kahit tanghaling tapat ka magpunta doon, kahit na ala una ka magpunta doon, assured ka ng slot kasi meron ka nang QR code (If you already have a QR code, even if you go there at noon or at 1 p.m., you are assured of a slot because of your QR code),” he said.

He also addressed concerns over past congestion at the DSWD’s Field Office – National Capital Region (NCR) in Sampaloc, Manila, explaining that the buildup occurred when offsite payouts had not yet resumed due to the pending release of budget guidelines at the start of the year.

The DSWD chief said offsite payouts have since restarted, with FO-NCR teams deploying directly to barangays and covered courts to bring assistance closer to beneficiaries and ease foot traffic in offices.

At the same time, Gatchalian reiterated a strict policy against conducting payouts in the presence of politicians, political staff, or campaign materials to protect the integrity of assistance programs.

“Hindi kami lalabas, hindi kami pupunta, hindi kami magpi-payout, yung mga kahero hindi bababa ng sasakyan, hindi pupunta sa area basta merong may politiko sa lugar (We will not show up, we will not conduct the payout, the cashiers will not get off the vehicles, we will not go to the area as long as a politician is there),” Gatchalian said.

He said FO personnel have been instructed to withhold deployment or withdraw from any site where a politician is present, regardless of rank or affiliation.

The DSWD chief said the policy is meant to ensure that government assistance remains free from political interference while guaranteeing orderly and dignified service to beneficiaries.