‘Make DSWD’s Akap aid program permanent’

Handing out cash banknotes of the Philippines | FILE PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines — Camarines Norte Rep. Rosemarie Panotes is pushing for a measure to make permanent the cash aid program of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) for low-income earners, to ensure it will continue despite changes in the country’s leadership.

Panotes filed House Bill No. 10700 or the proposed “Ayuda sa Kapos ang Kita Program (Akap) Act,” citing its success in helping minimum wage earners cope with the elevated costs of goods and services.

In her explanatory note, Panotes said that Akap was mandated under a special provision in the 2024 General Appropriations Act with the aim of giving financial aid to low-wage workers heavily affected by rising inflation.

“Due to the immense success of the program in alleviating the plight of the vulnerable and disadvantaged minimum wage earners, there is a need to make this permanent [so] that whoever will govern the country, the granting of Akap will continue so that target beneficiaries and their families needing immediate intervention may have access to basic services from the government,” she said.