Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Secretary Rex Gatchalian reassured that the ”Ayuda para sa Kapos ang Kita” Program (AKAP) will have stricter safety protocols and remain transparent, based on the proposed guidelines.
In a radio interview on Feb. 27, Gatchalian highlighted the collaborative effort between DSWD, Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), and National Economic Development Authority (NEDA) to strengthen the guidelines and ensure safeguards are in place to prevent the misuse of funds.
In his veto message after signing the General Appropriations Act (GAA) of 2025, President Marcos Jr. said that DSWD can proceed with AKAP’s rollout only after the approval of updated and clearer guidelines developed in cooperation with DOLE, NEDA, and DSWD.
Gatchalian said the revised guidelines are currently under review by the Office of the President and the Department of Budget and Management, and reiterated that they were crafted to strengthen safeguards and prevent political partisanship ahead of the midterm elections.
Among the key safety measures are the publication of the names of beneficiaries and a stricter prohibition on political candidates' involvement in AKAP payout activities.
With the added safeguards, Gatchalian expressed confidence that the updated guidelines would receive final approval from President Marcos Jr., which will ultimately strengthen public trust in the program.
He said AKAP benefitted 4 million Filipinos in 2024.
The program aims to provide financial assistance to low-income and minimum-wage earners, particularly those affected by inflation and economic challenges.
It targets vulnerable sectors, including farmers, fisherfolk, and workers from the informal economy, to alleviate their financial burden.
READ MORE: https://mb.com.ph/2024/12/19/dswd-s-akap-assistance