House Committee on Appropriations member and Ako Bicol party-list Rep. Raul Angelo Bongalon pushed for the retention of the Ayuda sa Kapos ang Kita Program (AKAP) in the 2025 national budget amid proposals in the Senate to remove its funding.
In a statement on Tuesday, Bongalon defended AKAP, which supports those earning less than P21,000 per month—an often-overlooked sector who struggle to make ends meet despite employment.
“AKAP has been a lifeline for millions of Filipinos in its first year, providing essential support to wage earners classified as ‘near poor’,” he said. “This is a crucial aid for those who are most vulnerable to economic shocks. They deserve our support.”
Bongalon made the statement in response to a recent recommendation by the Senate Finance committee to exclude AKAP from the Department of Social Welfare and Development’s (DSWD) 2025 budget.
The panel suggested reallocating funds toward other DSWD programs, like the Sustainable Livelihood Program and Quick Response Fund, and highlighted the need for initiatives in flood-prone areas.
Senator Imee Marcos, vice chair of the Senate Finance Committee, argued that the AKAP allocation, totaling P39 billion, was not included in the administration’s original spending proposal.
In fighting for AKAP, House leaders and AKAP advocates like Bongalon argue that the program addresses a significant need, helping low-income earners who are ineligible for other government aid.
In its first year, AKAP provided critical financial assistance to almost two million individuals, shielding them from inflationary pressures and other economic challenges.
As the bicameral conference committee begins to reconcile the House and Senate versions of the budget, Bongalon said the House remains firm on maintaining AKAP funding, with lawmakers committed to ensuring continued aid for the country’s low-income workers.
