DSWD 7 clarifies AKAP implementation

CEBU, Philippines — The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) - Central Visayas yesterday clarified the process of AKAP or Ayuda Para sa Kapos ang Kita Program, in response to several news articles related to the implementation of the program.

The regional social welfare department said 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.

Citing General Appropriations Act (GAA) of 2024 specifically through Special Provision No. 3 of the DSWD Budget, DSWD 7 said that a total of P26.7 billion has been allocated to fund the program, which will be used to provide financial assistance to minimum-wage and low-income earners to help them cope with mitigating risks and economic shocks significantly affected by the rising inflation.

Based on the DSWD Memorandum Circular (MC) No. 30, Series of 2024 that Secretary Rex Gatchalian signed on Aug. 9, 2024, eligible beneficiaries under AKAP may receive cash assistance ranging

from P1,000 to P10,000. The amount to be given, however, will depend on the type of assistance and based on the assessment of the DSWD social workers, as a result of the interviews conducted to potential beneficiaries.

The DSWD 7 also emphasized its unwavering commitment to building and reinforcing partnerships with the local government units (LGUs), and highlighted that seamless collaboration with the LGUs is essential for the success of various social welfare programs and the implementation of services.

“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,” the DSWD 7 said, in a statement.

DSWD 7 Director Shalaine Marie S. Lucero said the 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,” Lucero said.

On the inclusion of the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) and the social pension for the indigent senior citizen beneficiaries in 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,” the statement said.

The DSWD 7 also said that AKAP beneficiaries may be referred by any individual, subject to the DSWD's deduplication and verification processes and assessment conducted by social workers. — (FREEMAN)