The government's cash assistance program, Ayuda Para sa Kapos ang Kita Program ( Akap ), will require beneficiaries to present their national IDs to prevent duplication and include triggers for releasing cash aid . Akap was retained in the P6.326-trillion national budget for 2025 and will receive P26.5 billion but under “conditional implementation.
” According to the President's veto message on the 2025 General Appropriations Act, Akap's implementation shall be in strict compliance with relevant laws, rules, regulations, and jurisprudence, as well as the guidelines to be issued jointly by the Departments of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), Labor and Employment (DOLE), and National Economic and Development Authority (Neda). The agencies are finalizing these guidelines and expect to release them by the end of the month. Budget Secretary Amenah F. Pangandaman said that Neda Secretary Arsenio M. Balisacan wants to require beneficiaries' national IDs to confirm their identities and prevent duplication. Since Akap aims to address the strain of rising inflation on the financial capacity of those earning less than minimum wage, Pangandaman said the agencies should also consider adding a trigger before releasing cash assistance. Similar to the Department of Transportation's program providing fuel subsidies during high gasoline prices, cash assistance should also be extended only when inflation reaches a high level. Inflation accelerated to 2.9 percent in December 2024, while the full-year 2024 rate settled at 3.2 percent. Pangandaman also supports the draft provision prohibiting political paraphernalia, such as tarpaulins, stickers, and shirts with a politician's name and face, to prevent political gains
Akap Cash Aid National ID Inflation Budget
Philippines Latest News, Philippines Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Bicam restores funding for Romualdez’s pet cash aid project AKAP after Senate removalThe Senate previously deleted funding for the pet project of Speaker Romualdez in its version of the budget bill, after Senator Imee Marcos moved to reallocate funding to another DSWD program
Read more »
DOLE Vows Equitable Distribution of Financial Aid under AKAP ProgramThe Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) has pledged to ensure fair and compliant distribution of financial assistance to eligible beneficiaries under the Ayuda para sa Kapos ang Kita Program (AKAP). DOLE, in collaboration with the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) and the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA), will identify workers earning below the minimum wage, including minimum wage earners, as beneficiaries. DOLE Undersecretary Benjo Benavidez emphasized the agency's commitment to accountability and transparency, under the oversight of the Commission on Audit (COA).
Read more »
AKAP: House-Conceptualized Cash Assistance Program for Employed FilipinosAko Bicol party-list Rep. Elizaldy Co clarifies that the AKAP (Assistance Ko sa Kababayang OFW) program, a cash assistance initiative for employed Filipinos living in poverty, is free from corruption. Co emphasizes that the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) manages the funds and selects recipients, ensuring transparency and accountability. He highlights the plight of minimum-wage earners, who struggle to make ends meet despite working long hours and contributing to the country's social safety net.
Read more »
Philippines Tightens Guidelines for Cash Aid Program to Prevent PoliticizationThe Philippine government is set to implement stricter guidelines for the Ayuda Para sa Kapos ang Kita Program (AKAP) to prevent its politicization. Social Welfare Secretary Rex Gatchalian stated that joint guidelines are being developed with the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) and the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) to ensure the program's strategic implementation and public trust. President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. imposed conditions for AKAP's implementation in the 2025 national budget, aiming to safeguard funds from misuse and duplication. The program, which provides financial assistance to near-poor Filipinos earning below the minimum wage, has demonstrated significant impact with nearly five million beneficiaries during its first year.
Read more »
Nearly 5 Million Filipinos Benefit from AKAP in First YearThe Philippine Department of Social Welfare and Development's (DSWD) Assistance to Nationals in Crisis Situation (AKAP) program has provided aid to nearly five million near-poor Filipinos in its first year. The program, with a budget of P26.7 billion, achieved a 99.31% utilization rate, distributing cash assistance of P5,000 to eligible beneficiaries. AKAP funds were dispersed nationwide, with several regions achieving 100% utilization. As the program enters its second year, the DSWD plans to continue providing assistance to five million minimum wage earners and those living below the poverty line, guided by President Marcos' directive.
Read more »
5 million near-poor Pinoys get aid from AKAP in 2024 —DSWDLatest Philippine news from GMA News and 24 Oras. News, weather updates and livestreaming on Philippine politics, regions, showbiz, lifestyle, science and tech.
Read more »