MANILA, Philippines — February 18, 2026. The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) announced that it will soon digitalize the issuance of guarantee letters (GLs) under its Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situation (AICS) program, aiming to make social services more accessible and efficient.

DSWD Assistant Secretary Irene Dumlao said the move was in line with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s directive to ensure that government services are easier to access. “Ang utos po ng Pangulong Marcos Jr. ay siguraduhin na ang publiko ay madaling makaka-access ng serbisyo ng gobyerno,” Dumlao explained in an interview. 

She added that the issuance of guarantee letters will soon be available through an automated system, reducing waiting times and eliminating the need for clients to physically visit DSWD offices.

Guarantee letters are documents issued by the DSWD to partner hospitals, pharmacies, and other service providers to cover medical, burial, and other crisis-related expenses of qualified beneficiaries. 

Currently, the process is largely manual, often requiring long queues and paperwork. The digitalization initiative is expected to streamline the process, making it faster and more transparent.

The agency began piloting the digital system in late 2025, with plans to fully roll it out nationwide this year. Officials said the new system will allow beneficiaries to apply online and receive their guarantee letters electronically, which can then be presented directly to accredited service providers.

DSWD emphasized that the modernization of the AICS program is part of its broader effort to harness technology in delivering social protection services. By reducing bureaucratic delays and improving accessibility, the agency hopes to better serve indigent families and individuals in urgent need of assistance.

This initiative highlights the government’s push toward digital transformation in public service, ensuring that vulnerable sectors can access aid more quickly and with less hassle.