5M Near-Poor Pinoys Benefitted from DSWD’s AKAP in 2024

Almost five (5) 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.

“The AKAP program has demonstrated strong impact with Php26.157 billion in funds, or 99.31 percent utilization rate, from the total Php26.7 billion budget allocation for 2024,” DSWD Assistant Secretary Irene Dumlao said on Tuesday (January 2).

The program, which prioritizes transparency and accountability, 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.

“AKAP is a clear example of how government funds should be used—efficiently and without corruption,” Co said. “Do we want confidential funds like those in Davao City, DepEd or Office of the Vice President under Vp Sara Duterte which were riddled with 100% corruption, or programs like AKAP with zero corruption? Ang pinakamalalakas bumatikos ay kadalasan yung walang ginagawa para tumulong sa tao. AKAP directly addresses inflation and uplifts the lives of our countrymen, especially the near-poor.”

Rep. Co also challenged critics to reflect on past failures and stressed the need for justice for those affected by previous government lapses.

“If we can do this now, why wasn’t it done before? Where did the money go? Was it funneled into confidential funds or the 27,000 extrajudicial killings? The Filipino people deserve justice for those who were wronged. Let’s not shift the conversation. We must hold accountable those responsible for the misuse of public funds and the loss of innocent lives,” Co said.

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 Php5,000 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 Php26 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.

Sec. 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 (5) million Filipinos in 2025 as per the General Appropriations Act signed by President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on December 30, 2024.