Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Secretary Rex Gatchalian emphasized that the agency is the sole implementer of the Ayuda para sa Kapos ang Kita Program (AKAP). This clarification comes after the bicameral conference committee, composed of congressmen and senators, approved the restoration of the P26 billion AKAP allocation in the 2025 national budget on December 11.
Gatchalian explained that potential beneficiaries of the AKAP are assessed individually by DSWD social workers before receiving any cash aid. Unlike the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps), the DSWD’s flagship poverty alleviation program, AKAP provides a one-time cash assistance to eligible beneficiaries whose income falls below the poverty threshold.
Gatchalian clarified that the AKAP funds are managed exclusively by the DSWD and are not distributed by lawmakers. “The entire amount of P26 billion will be implemented solely by the DSWD. It is not for politicians or public servants. This cannot be called a pork barrel or funding for anyone else. This is the funding of the DSWD,” he stated.
The AKAP program is designed to extend its reach to individuals in need, particularly in remote areas, by facilitating access through DSWD offices and offsite payout locations. “Rather than requiring beneficiaries to travel to us, we proactively go to them. Assistance is allocated based on assessed need, distinguishing it from the 4Ps program, which provides regular support aimed at lifting individuals out of poverty,” Gatchalian explained.
Controversy surrounding the program intensified when Senator Imee Marcos claimed that the funding was an unexpected addition to the budget and not a priority for the administration led by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. Marcos argued that the allocation for AKAP should be removed from the proposed 2025 budget, questioning its necessity given other government priorities.
Gatchalian responded by emphasizing that all programs are subject to evaluation by social workers. “Merely receiving a request from politicians does not guarantee that assistance will be provided. The decision regarding who receives aid and the amount allocated is ultimately determined by the social worker,” he clarified.
Gatchalian also refuted the assertion of Vice President Sara Duterte that some politicians might exploit the AKAP program for electoral gain, suggesting that they use it to “buy” votes. He emphasized that social workers oversee the distribution of aid and ensure that no political influence affects who receives assistance. “A politician’s credibility could be compromised if they promise assistance, only for the social worker to indicate that the individual is not on the list of prioritized needs; in such cases, we cannot provide support,” he said.
To prevent any perception of impropriety, Gatchalian confirmed that politicians would not be present during aid distribution events. “All social services are prohibited during the campaign period, although requests for exemptions may be submitted to the Commission. This prohibition will take effect 45 days prior to the start of the elections,” he reminded.
The AKAP program aims to provide immediate financial relief to those in dire need, ensuring that the assistance reaches the intended beneficiaries without political interference. By maintaining strict oversight and evaluation processes, the DSWD seeks to uphold the integrity of the program and ensure that aid is distributed fairly and transparently.
As the DSWD continues to implement the AKAP program, Gatchalian calls on the public to support the agency’s efforts in providing much-needed assistance to the most vulnerable sectors of society. The success of the program relies on the collective commitment to transparency and accountability, ensuring that every peso allocated for aid reaches those who need it most.