The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA), and the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), are working to refine the process of identifying eligible beneficiaries for the Ayuda Para sa Kapos ang Kita Program (AKAP).
During a meeting on January 3, 2025, DSWD Secretary Rex Gatchalian, DOLE Secretary Bienvenido Laguesma, and NEDA Director-General Arsenio Balisacan agreed on drafting new guidelines to ensure the proper implementation of AKAP in 2025.
Gatchalian emphasized that the revised intake form aligns with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s directive to address the financial strain caused by inflation on individuals earning below the minimum wage.
This intake form will help us determine if those affected by inflation truly qualify for the program, according to Gatchalian, highlighting the importance of streamlining data collection to focus on rightful beneficiaries.
Both NEDA and DOLE expressed their support, noting that the enhanced process would help address public concerns and prevent misuse of the program.
The new AKAP guidelines will prioritize transparency and accountability, ensuring that the program remains insulated from political influence, consistent with DSWD policies.
Penalties for fraudulent activities—such as falsifying documents, tampering with beneficiary lists, and siphoning off funds—will also be detailed in the revised guidelines.
Gatchalian assured that beneficiaries will undergo a stringent vetting process conducted by social workers. NEDA’s attached agency, the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA), will provide essential data to support the initiative.
He said the DSWD hopes to finalize everything by Wednesday next week (January 8) and route it back to his counterparts at DOLE and NEDA for their signatures or further improvements.
AKAP seeks to provide targeted financial relief to low-income individuals impacted by rising inflation, reinforcing the government’s commitment to supporting the most vulnerable sectors of society.
