MANILA – The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) on Tuesday warned the public against false information about the Ayuda para sa Kapos ang Kita Program (AKAP) spreading on social media.
“The department received reports on various social media posts from online groups and pages that contain announcements aimed to misinform the public about the programs and services of the department, specifically the AKAP program,” DSWD Assistant Secretary Irene Dumlao said in a statement.
“We would like to remind the public, especially our beneficiaries, to verify their online information sources and engage only with legitimate platforms. These include official government websites and verified social media pages, such as the official DSWD Facebook page (https://web.facebook.com/dswdserves).”
The AKAP is a targeted social assistance and social safety net provided for minimum-wage earners and low-income earners from both the formal and informal economy.
According to the DSWD, the General Appropriations Act of 2024, specifically through Special Provision No. 3 of the DSWD budget, has allocated PHP26.7 billion to fund the AKAP.
The funding is intended to provide financial assistance to minimum-wage and low-income earners, helping them cope with mitigating risks and economic shocks significantly affected by rising inflation.
Based on DSWD Memorandum Circular (MC) 30 series of 2024 issued by Secretary Rex Gatchalian on Aug. 9, eligible beneficiaries under the AKAP may receive cash assistance from PHP 1, 000 to PHP 10, 000, depending on the type of assistance and assessment of DSWD social workers as a result of the interview.
Support will be provided for assistance exceeding PHP 10, 000 through a guarantee letter approved by the DSWD approving authority.
The MC further states that other beneficiaries of the DSWD’s regular programs may still request assistance from the menu of AKAP, so long as they are eligible, subject to the assessment of the social workers, the availability of funds, and compliance with requirements.
Under AKAP are medical, funeral, food, or cash relief assistance provided directly through the Crisis Intervention Units/Sections of the department at both central and field offices and through the social welfare and development satellite offices across the country.
The AKAP can also be implemented in partnership with local government units (LGUs) from the provincial down to the barangay levels.
The provided assistance is called “Rice Assistance” where the financial aid shall be used to purchase rice to meet the nutritional requirements for sustenance.
A memorandum of agreement between the LGU and the DSWD is required, as well as with LGUs and local rice retailers as outlined in MC 30.
A beneficiary of rice assistance through LGUs may still qualify to receive the other types of AKAP assistance (medical, funeral, or cash relief) subject to the professional assessment of the DSWD social worker and the availability of funds. (PNA)