Most Pinoys back AKAP’s expansion

CEBU, Philippines — Despite earlier concerns regarding the implementation of financial assistance programs, most Filipinos support the continuation and even the expansion of the Congress-backed Ayuda sa Kapos and Kita Program (AKAP).

A Jan. 25 to 31 survey conducted by the OCTA Research group found that 79 percent of the respondents were aware of AKAP, a financial assistance program implemented by the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD).

Some 69 percent of the survey respondents said they agree to continue and expand the program, while 31 percent were against it.

Support for AKAP was highest among respondents in balance Luzon at 74 percent, followed by those in Metro Manila at 69 percent, Mindanao at 66 percent and the Visayas at 63 percent.

The survey had 1,200 respondents and a margin of error of plus/minus three percent.

The results of the non-commissioned OCTA survey confirmed earlier polls commissioned Stratbase Group.

A Social Weather Stations survey conducted from Jan. 17 to 20 found that 81 percent either view the AKAP as “very helpful” or “somewhat helpful,” while 19 percent said it was either “somewhat not helpful” or “not helpful at all.”

A separate Pulse Asia poll, conducted from Jan. 18 to 25, found that 80 percent of the survey respondents viewed AKAP as helpful in the financial stability of Filipinos. Only 10 percent said it was not helpful.

While it was not in the original budget proposal submitted by Malacañang, lawmakers decided to allocate P26 billion for the project in the 2024 budget. Another P26 billion was allocated this year, again with the support of lawmakers.

This year, President Marcos placed AKAP under conditional implementation and directed the DSWD to strengthen its implementation and craft revised guidelines with the Department of Labor and Employment and the National Economic and Development Authority.

Several groups have raised concerns over the implementation of AKAP, particularly its possible duplication with other financial assistance programs of the government.

Former finance secretary Cielo Magno earlier called for a public audit of the program’s implementation last year, citing reports of supposed irregularities in the selection and release of payouts to identified beneficiaries. (CEBU NEWS)