CASH AID. One of the beneficiaries of the Department of Social Welfare and Development educational assistance in Bicol. The agency has distributed a total of PHP47.7 million during three payout activities that started on Aug. 20, 2022. (Image courtesy of DSWD-Bicol) LEGAZPI CITY - The Department of Social Welfare and Development in Bicol (DSWD-5) has reiterated to the public the "No Epal" campaign that aims to protect the government education assistance under the Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situation (AICS) program from being used by politicians. In an interview on Monday, Marygizelle Mesa, DSWD-5 information officer, reminded the learner-beneficiaries and their families that no politician or group has the right to claim the said program. "DSWD-Bicol is committed to the ethical, responsible, and principled implementation of its programs and services. It is apolitical and frowns upon politicians who tend to use the agency for their personal campaigns. DSWD is focu