DSWD: Tighter AKAP guidelines eyed to ensure 'no politics'

The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) is tightening its guidelines in implementing the Ayuda Para sa Kapos ang Kita (AKAP) Program to ensure that it will not be used for anyone’s political gains. 

Interviewed on dzBB, DSWD spokesperson Assistant Secretary Irene Dumlao said that Social Welfare Secretary Rex Gatchalian has already discussed with his counterparts in the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) and Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) to draft the enhanced guidelines on the implementation of AKAP.

“Tinitiyak natin na hindi magkakaroon ng duplication sa mga ini-implement nating program at hindi magagamit ang mga ito to advance the political interest of some,” Dumlao said.

(We will ensure that there will be no duplication in the programs we are implementing and that they will not be used to advance the political interest of some.)

The DSWD official said the agency is crafting a “standardized targeting system” to identify who would be eligible to receive cash aid under AKAP.

“Makakatiyak tayo na hindi mga barangay official o kung sino man ang tutukoy ng mga benepisyaryo para sa mga programa at serbisyo ng iba't ibang ahensya,” she said.

(We can be sure that it is not barangay officials or anyone else who will determine the beneficiaries for the programs and services of the various agencies.)

“We’ll make sure na 'yung mga social worker natin are conducting validation and assessment... Kailangan i-review nila ang lahat ng beneficiaries,” she added.

(We'll make sure that our social workers are conducting validation and assessment. They need to review all the beneficiaries.)

Dumlao said that the guidelines being crafted will ensure that local officials will have no say or participation in identifying the eligible beneficiaries for the AKAP.

“Tinitiyak natin na hindi magkakaroon ng overlaps o duplication by having a standardized targeting system,” the DSWD official said.

(We'll make sure that our social workers are conducting validation and assessment... They need to review all the beneficiaries.)

Interventions

Nonetheless, Dumlao said that beneficiaries of AKAP could still get other interventions.

“Pwedeng tumanggap ka ng AKAP ngayong buwan then the following month, halimbawa may krisis o emergency sa pamilya... maaari ka pa ring tumanggap ng ayuda sa ilalim ng AICS (Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situations) depende sa assessment ng social workers,” Dumlao said.

(You can receive AKAP this month, then the following month, for example, if there is a crisis or emergency in the family... you can still receive aid under AICS (Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situations) depending on the assessment of social workers.)

Almost five million Filipinos benefited from the AKAP in 2024. 

Gatchalian has earlier assured that AKAP is insulated from politics amid fears that its budget will be used in the 2025 midterm elections.

“The DSWD will not be used by anybody for their political gains, not next year, not ever. The DSWD social workers do stringent verification and validation processes for clients who seek financial assistance, with or without referrals from legislators and local government unit (LGU) officials,” Gatchalian said.

“There is no line item that entitles any congressional district or LGU to have an allocation in any amount and lodged this with the DSWD that could benefit their constituents. Referrals from legislators and local executives are entertained pursuant to existing DSWD guidelines. Our social workers, and not politicians, determine the beneficiaries,” he added.

—VAL, GMA Integrated News