Manila: The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) on Tuesday issued a warning to the public about the spread of false information regarding the Ayuda para sa Kapos ang Kita Program (AKAP) on social media platforms. According to Philippines News Agency, DSWD Assistant Secretary Irene Dumlao stated that the department has received multiple reports concerning misleading announcements on various social media groups and pages that aim to misinform the public about DSWD programs and services, particularly the AKAP initiative. Dumlao emphasized the importance for the public, especially beneficiaries, to ensure they are accessing information only from legitimate sources such as official government websites and verified social media pages, including the official DSWD Facebook page. AKAP is designed as a social assistance and safety net program specifically tailored for minimum-wage and low-income earners from both formal and informal sectors. The General Appropriations Act of 2024, through Special Prov ision No. 3 of the DSWD budget, has allocated PHP26.7 billion to fund this program, aiming to provide financial support to those significantly impacted by economic challenges and inflation. Based on DSWD Memorandum Circular (MC) 30 series of 2024, issued by Secretary Rex Gatchalian on August 9, eligible AKAP beneficiaries could receive cash assistance ranging from PHP1,000 to PHP10,000. The amount is determined by the type of assistance required and an assessment by DSWD social workers. For assistance exceeding PHP10,000, a guarantee letter approved by the DSWD authority is needed. The memorandum also states that beneficiaries of other DSWD regular programs may apply for AKAP assistance, provided they meet eligibility criteria, pass social worker assessments, and comply with requirements, given the availability of funds. AKAP offers various forms of assistance, including medical, funeral, food, or cash relief, administered through the department's Crisis Intervention Units and its field offices, as well as social welfare satellite offices nationwide. Moreover, AKAP may be executed in collaboration with local government units (LGUs) at all levels, from provincial to barangay. A specific form of aid under AKAP is 'Rice Assistance,' intended for beneficiaries to purchase rice, ensuring they meet nutritional needs. This requires a memorandum of agreement between the LGU, the DSWD, and local rice retailers, as delineated in MC 30. Recipients of rice assistance may still qualify for other forms of AKAP assistance, subject to further assessment and fund availability.