Almost five million near-poor Filipinos benefitted from the Department of Social Welfare and Development’s (DSWD) Ayuda para sa Kapos ang Kita Program (AKAP) during its first year of implementation from January to December 2024.
The AKAP program has demonstrated strong impact with P26.157 billion in funds, or 99.31 percent utilization rate, from the total P26.7 billion budget allocation for 2024, DSWD assistant secretary Irene Dumlao said Jan. 2.
The program, which prioritizes transparency and accountability, has been lauded as an effective tool to combat the growing challenge of uncontrolled inflation worldwide, House Committee on Appropriations chairperson Zaldy Co said as he cited the program’s success and integrity and challenged critics to reflect on past failures.
The program provides cash assistance of P5,000 to eligible beneficiaries, particularly families with incomes below the poverty threshold. The support covers medical, funeral, food, and cash relief assistance, through the DSWD’s Crisis Intervention Units and Satellite Offices nationwide.
The AKAP funds were allocated across the country, with almost all regions achieving more than 99 percent in fund obligations. Cagayan Valley (Region 2), Davao Region (Region 11), and Caraga (Region 13) even posted 100 percent utilization.
DSWD Secretary Rex Gatchalian assured the public that AKAP is shielded from politics, dismissing claims that the program’s P26-billion budget would be used for vote-buying in this year’s midterm elections.
“The DSWD will not be used for political gains, not ever. Our licensed social workers ensure stringent verification and validation of beneficiaries to avoid any overlap or misuse of funds,” Gatchalian said in a House press release.
He added that coordination with LGUs is limited to logistical support, ensuring that AKAP operates independently from political influence.
“The funding for AKAP comes solely from the General Appropriations Act, which has no provisions for congressional or LGU allocations. The program’s success is a testament to its fairness and transparency,” he said.
The AKAP program, a collaborative effort among the DSWD, DOLE, and NEDA, is set to benefit another five million Filipinos this year as per the General Appropriations Act signed by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Dec. 30, 2024. ||
