The Department of Budget and Management (DBM) is set to release the updated guidelines for the Ayuda Para sa Kapos Ang Kita Program (AKAP) by the end of January. Budget Secretary Amenah Pangandaman announced that the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA), and the Department of Labor and Employment (DoLE) are currently working on refining the program’s guidelines to ensure the effective allocation of public funds.
During a media forum, Secretary Pangandaman expressed optimism that the guidelines would be finalized soon, stating, “They will meet again this week to finalize it. We expect it to be ready by the end of January.” The urgency to complete these guidelines stems from President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s decision to conditionally implement the PHP26-billion budget allocated for AKAP in 2025.
AKAP, managed by the DSWD, aims to provide a one-time cash assistance to minimum wage earners classified as “near poor.” To enhance the program’s integrity, Pangandaman highlighted that the new guidelines will incorporate additional safeguards, such as requiring beneficiaries to use their national ID to claim the aid.
Moreover, to prevent the program from being politically exploited, the guidelines will prohibit the use of promotional materials like tarpaulins, stickers, and T-shirts featuring politicians’ images or names. Secretary Pangandaman emphasized the importance of ensuring that the aid reaches the intended recipients, stating, “The assistance must reach the right beneficiaries. It should not be treated like a raffle.”