Manila: Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez announced the House of Representatives’ unwavering commitment to ensuring the continuation of the Ayuda sa Kapos ang Kita Program (AKAP) by securing its funding in the 2025 budget for the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD). This declaration underscores the House’s dedication to supporting over 4 million ‘near poor’ Filipinos who have significantly benefited from this initiative.

According to Philippines News Agency, Romualdez emphasized the critical role of AKAP as a lifeline for millions of Filipino families who are on the brink of poverty. The program has been instrumental in providing immediate relief to struggling households, empowering them to withstand economic challenges, and enhancing their resilience against inflation and other financial shocks. In a news release, he highlighted that AKAP embodies a vision of inclusive and compassionate governance, fostering trust by directly addressing the needs of ordinary Filipinos.

AKAP offers one-time
cash assistance ranging from PHP3,000 to PHP5,000 to eligible beneficiaries whose incomes fall below the poverty threshold and who are not covered by other government aid programs. Romualdez pointed out the program’s extensive reach, noting that PHP20.7 billion of the PHP26.7 billion allocation has already been utilized, positively impacting millions nationwide. Notably, more than 589,000 families in the National Capital Region (NCR) have benefited from the initiative.

Regions such as Central Luzon, Bicol, and Western Visayas have also demonstrated significant fund utilization rates exceeding 70 percent. Romualdez stressed that programs like AKAP exemplify effective government intervention by stabilizing households, strengthening communities, and contributing to the country’s overall economic resilience. He warned that cutting its funding would be detrimental to the millions who depend on this vital assistance.

The House leader urged the Senate to reconsider any proposals to defund AKAP, aligning with DSWD
Secretary Rex Gatchalian’s appeal to safeguard the program in the 2025 budget. Romualdez expressed the House’s readiness to advocate for this cause during bicameral discussions if required, emphasizing that the fight for AKAP is a fight for the Filipino people. The program represents the achievements of good governance, and he vowed to prevent any rollback of its gains.