Pangasinan: The provincial government of Pangasinan and the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) are set to sign a memorandum of agreement for the implementation of the Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situations (AICS) at the Pangasinan Provincial Hospital (PPH). Vice Governor Mark Ronald Lambino, in an interview on Tuesday, said this agreement between the DSWD Field Office 1 (Ilocos Region) and the provincial government would entail qualified patients of the PPH to avail of the AICS for their medical expenses.

According to Philippines News Agency, this collaboration aims to provide an additional support layer for funding hospitalizations. Lambino explained that while there are existing benefits from the Philippine Health Insurance Corp. and the Department of Health's Medical Assistance for Indigent and Financially Incapacitated Patients (MAIP) program, some expenses still fall outside the coverage of these services, affecting the hospital's finances or the patient.

MAIP provides financial assistance for hospital bills, medicines, diagnostics, and procedures at government hospitals, while AICS offers immediate, temporary, and cash aid to Filipinos facing unexpected life events, such as medical, funeral, or transportation needs. Lambino stated that by establishing a memorandum of agreement with the DSWD, expenses not covered by PhilHealth or MAIP may be addressed by AICS.

The vice governor noted that patients seeking to avail of this assistance would still need to undergo a qualification assessment by social workers. The date for signing the memorandum has yet to be announced, pending the approval of a resolution from the Sangguniang Panlalawigan (Provincial Board) authorizing Governor Ramon Guico III to sign on behalf of the provincial government.