Restore AKAP in 2025 DSWD budget — House leader
A House leader called for the restoration of the Ayuda sa Kapos ang Kita Program (AKAP) in the 2025 budget of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD).
Tingog Party-list Rep. Jude Acidre has emphasized AKAP’e vital role in supporting Filipino families and addressing economic challenges.
“It is deeply unfortunate that, instead of strengthening social amelioration programs that uplift minimum wage earners and the working middle class, the Senate has decided to AKAP from the 2025 budget,” Acidre stated.
Acidre highlighted AKAP’s essential contributions to Filipinos in need.
“This decision overlooks the invaluable merits of the program. AKAP provides much-needed financial assistance to hardworking Filipinos who, despite their gainful employment and contributions to economic productivity, face challenges brought about by inflation, disasters, or personal and family emergencies,” he said.
“Contrary to the mistaken belief that AKAP fosters dependency, the program is a testament to the government’s commitment to serve as a safety net for those in need. It ensures that those who have less in life are not left behind, particularly during times of crisis,” Acidre added, underscoring its role as a symbol of compassion and inclusivity in governance.
Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez, in a recent statement, emphasized AKAP’s significant impact. Of the P26.7 billion allocated to the program, P20.7 billion has already been utilized, benefiting millions across all regions. Over 589,000 families in the National Capital Region (NCR) alone have received assistance, while regions such as Central Luzon, Bicol, and Western Visayas have achieved fund utilization rates exceeding 70 percent.
Acidre also underscored AKAP’s broader economic contributions. “With over four million beneficiaries, AKAP has boosted purchasing power at the grassroots level, helping local markets thrive and supporting the growth of small businesses. Its removal disregards these critical benefits, which extend beyond social welfare to strengthening our country’s economic resilience,” he explained.
He expressed optimism that the program could still be reinstated. “As the Bicameral Conference Committee convenes, we remain hopeful that AKAP will be evaluated on its merits and that its funding will be restored. Programs like AKAP embody the essence of governance that is truly inclusive and responsive to the needs of our people,” he said.
Acidre urged a constructive approach in addressing any issues with the program. “If our colleagues in the Senate have concerns regarding the program’s implementation, we encourage them to propose reforms that would strengthen AKAP rather than eliminating its funding entirely. Constructive solutions, not the abandonment of impactful initiatives, should be the way forward,” he emphasized.
