MANILA: The Department of Social Welfare and Development's (DSWD) Ayuda para sa Kapos ang Kita Program (AKAP) has successfully provided support to nearly 5 million near-poor Filipinos in its inaugural year, according to the agency's spokesperson, Irene Dumlao. The program, which ran from January to December last year, utilized 99.31 percent of its allocated budget, significantly impacting the lives of its beneficiaries.
According to Philippines News Agency, the AKAP program distributed PHP26.157 billion in funds across the Philippines, with nearly all regions achieving over 99 percent fund utilization. Regions such as Cagayan Valley, Davao Region, and Caraga reported full fund utilization. The program offered cash assistance of PHP5,000 to eligible families, who were required to have incomes below the poverty threshold and not receive support from other government initiatives.
The AKAP assistance extended to medical, funeral, food, and cash relief, facilitated through the DSWD's Crisis Intervention Units and Social Welfare and Development Offices nationwide. With the recent signing of the General Appropriations Act for 2025, the program aims to continue supporting around 5 million minimum wage earners and those living at the poverty threshold.
In alignment with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.'s directive, a meeting between the DSWD, Department of Labor and Employment, and National Economic and Development Authority is scheduled to establish guidelines for AKAP's continued funding release. DSWD Secretary Rex Gatchalian assured the public that the program's budget is safeguarded against political misuse, addressing concerns of alleged political manipulation.
Gatchalian emphasized that qualified beneficiaries are determined through a rigorous verification process conducted by DSWD social workers, independent of political influence. The agency works closely with local government units for logistical coordination during fund distribution, maintaining that funds are sourced from the agency's budget under the General Appropriations Act.
He further clarified that no specific congressional district or local government unit has designated allocations within the program, ensuring fair distribution of resources based on DSWD guidelines.
