Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Assistant Secretary Irene Dumlao, the agency spokesperson, reiterated in a radio interview that the agency has set an eligibility criteria in identifying the intended beneficiaries of the Ayuda sa Kapos ang Kita Program (AKAP).
The DSWD spokesperson told a radio interview on Tuesday (February 4) that would-be AKAP beneficiaries are not easily identifiable because “we need to ascertain if indeed these individuals who are earning no more than the statutory minimum wage ay apektado ng inflation at kailangan i-assist ng DSWD under this particular program.”
In addition to documentary requirements, Asst. Secretary Dumlao said social workers are carefully assessing potential beneficiaries before giving out the cash aid under the AKAP.
“In addition to that, may mga information kasi na tinatanong ang mga social workers natin. Using an assessment sheet or intake form, may mga tinatanong tayo na information tulad ng kung mayroon ba silang support system, external resources, magkano ba ang kinikita, ilan ang nagta-trabaho sa pamilya,” the DSWD spokesperson pointed out.
Asst. Secretary Dumlao emphasized that referrals, whether from organizations, politicians, or any other institutions, will not guarantee that the names included will receive financial assistance.
“Hindi po nangangahulugan na kapag ikaw ay na-endorso ay awtomatiko kang makatatanggap. Sasailalim ka pa rin sa proseso na kung saan ay ire-require pa rin ng DSWD na mag-presinta ka ng requirements at i-interviewhin ka pa rin ng social workers. Hindi guarantee ang referral na ibinibigay ng sinuman para makatanggap ka ng tulong,” the DSWD spokesperson explained.
Asst. Secretary Dumlao said the DSWD sticks to its guidelines and processes, especially in the distribution of cash assistance.
The DSWD spokesperson said the enhanced guidelines for the AKAP, which were jointly prepared by the National Economic Development Authority (NEDA), Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), and the DSWD, have been submitted to the Office of the President (OP) and the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) for approval.
For the year 2025, the AKAP is set for a conditional implementation subject to the issuance of new and stricter guidelines, as conveyed in the veto message of President Ferdinan R. Marcos Jr when he signed the General Appropriations Act (GAA) 2025 last December 30.
The AKAP is a program intended to provide targeted social assistance and safety net for low-income earners whose purchasing power has been eroded due to inflation. (YADP)
