Sen. Imee R. Marcos proposed combining the Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situations (AICS) and the Abot Kamay ang Pagtulong (AKAP) programs to provide more substantial aid to those who need it most.
“In my opinion, it would be for the best if we just merge AICS and AKAP. This way, greater aid can be given to our citizens who truly need it,” Marcos said in Filipino during a recent deliberation on the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) budget.
The senator argued that combining these programs would streamline the distribution of assistance and ensure that resources are focused on initiatives with long-term impacts.
According to Marcos, temporary aid alone is not enough: “We need to expand their opportunities to find work or invest in their businesses. Filipinos are not lazy they just need help and inspiration to rise.”
She urged the strengthening of social assistance programs like the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps), Kalahi-CIDSS, and the Sustainable Livelihood Program (SLP) that have been addressing poverty issues before AKAP.
