Recent surveys by Pulse Asia and Social Weather Station (SWS) have revealed that four key programs from the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) have significantly enhanced the financial stability of Filipinos from lower socio-economic backgrounds. These programs include the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps), Ayuda sa Kapos ang Kita Program (AKAP), Walang Gutom Program (WGP), and Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situation (AICS). The surveys, commissioned by Stratbase Group, were conducted in January and involved thousands of respondents, showing high approval ratings for these initiatives.
The 4Ps, which has been pivotal since its launch in 2008 and institutionalization in 2019, received the highest approval with 90% of Filipinos finding it beneficial according to SWS, and 82% from Pulse Asia agreeing it improved financial stability for low-income families. Other programs like AKAP and WGP also saw strong support, with 81% approval in both surveys, while AICS was close behind with 80% approval.
DSWD spokesperson Assistant Secretary Irene Dumlao expressed that these positive responses reinforce their commitment to enhancing and expanding these social welfare programs. The department is also set to introduce the First 1,000 Days (F1KD) of Life conditional cash grant under 4Ps in 2025, aimed at supporting pregnant mothers and young children’s health and nutrition.
AKAP, designed to assist low-income earners affected by inflation, is scheduled for conditional implementation in 2025, pending new guidelines. WGP focuses on reducing involuntary hunger and promoting nutritional education among low-income families. AICS provides various forms of assistance to those in crisis situations.
Assistant Majority Leader Pammy Zamora highlighted the survey results as validation of the House of Representatives’ decision to introduce AKAP, emphasizing its importance for the ‘near-poor’ segment of the population, which constitutes a significant portion of Filipinos.