In response to the news articles regarding the implementation of Ayuda Para sa Kapos Ang Kita Program (AKAP), the DSWD Field Office 7-Central Visayas clarifies that AKAP is a targeted social assistance and social safety net provided for minimum wage earners and low-income earners from both the formal and informal economy.

The General Appropriations Act (GAA) of 2024, specifically through Special Provision No. 3 of the DSWD Budget, has allocated Php 26.7 billion to fund the AKAP and provide financial assistance to minimum-wage and low-income earners to help them cope with mitigating risks and economic shocks significantly affected by rising inflation.

Based on the DSWD Memorandum Circular (MC) No. 30, series of 2024 that Secretary Rex Gatchalian signed on August 9, eligible beneficiaries under the AKAP may receive cash assistance from Php1,000 to Php10,000, depending on the type of assistance and assessment of the DSWD social workers, as a result of the conducted interview.

Moreover, regarding the inclusion of the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) and the Social Pension for the Indigent Senior Citizen beneficiaries in the AKAP, Memorandum Circular 24 series of 2024 has not specified that beneficiaries of 4Ps and Social Pension for the Indigent Senior Citizen shall not be eligible for AKAP. Thus, as long as it passes through the qualification and assessment process, one may be a beneficiary under the AKAP Program.

Additionally, DSWD 7 emphasizes that AKAP beneficiaries may be referred by any individual, subject to the DSWD’s deduplication and verification processes and assessment conducted by the social workers.

Further, DSWD recognizes all LGUs as vital partners. Hence, all the staff are oriented to work with their counterparts at the local level. Thus, DSWD 7 field staff in the provinces provide advance information on the schedule and venue of the pay-outs through calls and texts to the Local Social Welfare and Development Officer.

Furthermore, DSWD 7 emphasizes its unwavering commitment to building and reinforcing partnerships with Local Government Units (LGUs) and recognizes that seamless collaboration with LGUs is essential for the success of various social welfare programs and services implementation. This commitment is crucial, as it aims to ensure that the concerned agencies or offices respond to the needs of the communities and that social support systems are enriched.

DSWD Regional Director Shalaine Marie S. Lucero said, “DSWD 7’s commitment to enhancing collaborations with LGUs reflects a strategic approach to social welfare and development. By fostering these partnerships, DSWD 7 aims to create a more integrated and responsive social support system that effectively meets the diverse needs of the populations it serves.” ###

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