69% of Filipinos support AKAP continuation -OCTA

A majority of Filipinos favor the continuation of the Ayuda Para sa Kapos ang Kita (AKAP) program, according to OCTA Research’s latest Tugon ng Masa survey.

Implemented in 2024 by the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), AKAP provides financial aid to individuals and families facing economic hardship, particularly those affected by job loss, natural disasters, or economic challenges.

The non-commissioned survey found that 69% of 1,200 respondents support the program’s continuation and expansion, citing its “effectiveness and relevance.”

Support was highest in Balance Luzon (74%) and lowest in the Visayas (63%). 

Notably, 100% of respondents from the MIMAROPA Region backed AKAP’s expansion, while the lowest agreement rates were in Cagayan Valley (16%), CARAGA (42%), and Northern Mindanao (49%).

Urban residents (72%) showed more support than rural residents (66%), while more women (72%) than men (67%) favored AKAP. 

The highest support came from respondents with no formal education or vocational education.

Awareness 

OCTA’s survey also revealed that 79% of Filipinos were aware of AKAP. 

Awareness was highest in the Visayas (88%), followed by Mindanao (85%) and Metro Manila (81%).

"This suggests that regional communication strategies may have played a role in the program’s visibility," OCTA noted, adding that awareness remained strong across socio-economic classes, ranging from 78% to 90%.

"Ensuring awareness efforts continue penetrating all segments of society will be crucial in maximizing the program’s impact and accessibility," it added.

Some lawmakers, including Senator Imee Marcos, had questioned AKAP’s funding in the 2025 national budget.

The House of Representatives, however, denied claims that the program is being used as a political tool ahead of the midterm elections.

Meanwhile, the Commission on Elections (Comelec) has exempted 28 DSWD programs, including AKAP, from the 2025 election spending ban.

In response, the DSWD has tightened its implementation guidelines to prevent political misuse. 

The Tugon ng Masa survey was conducted via face-to-face interviews from January 25-31, 2025, with a ±3% margin of error at a 95% confidence level. Subnational estimates have a ±6% margin of error for Metro Manila, Balance Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao. — DVM, GMA Integrated News