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, a press release from the House of Representatives said.
“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 on Tuesday.
The program has been lauded as an effective tool to combat the growing challenge of uncontrolled inflation worldwide. House Committee on Appropriations Chairperson Zaldy Co also cited the program’s success and integrity.
Rep. Co challenged critics to reflect on past failures and stressed the need for justice for those affected by previous government lapses.
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.
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 needs through the DSWD’s Crisis Intervention Units and Satellite Offices nationwide.
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 the 2025 midterm elections.
“The DSWD will not be used for political gains—not next year, not ever. Our licensed social workers ensure stringent verification and validation of beneficiaries to avoid any overlap or misuse of funds,” Gatchalian stated.
Gatchalian 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 in 2025 as per the General Appropriations Act signed by President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on December 30, 2024.*
