DSWD: No referral needed for AKAP

CEBU, Philippines — Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Secretary Rex Gatchalian reiterated yesterday that no referral is needed to access the Ayuda sa Kapos Ang Kita Program (AKAP), emphasizing that only social workers are authorized to determine eligibility and the corresponding amount of assistance.

Gatchalian assured the public that measures are in place to prevent politicians from exploiting AKAP for their own agenda, particularly during the campaign period.

“The sole decision for the provision of AKAP is made by the DSWD, with requests for assistance carefully assessed by agency social workers,” Gatchalian said in a statement.

AKAP is designed to provide aid to individuals in crisis who earn below the minimum wage. Qualified individuals may directly visit the nearest DSWD office, bringing identification cards and proof of financial need such as medical bills, a death certificate, or a hospital promissory note.

To ensure the program’s integrity, Gatchalian highlighted that politicians are strictly prohibited from entering payout centers during distribution, as specified in the joint AKAP guidelines drafted by the DSWD in coordination with the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) and the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE).

“It is provided under our guidelines in AKAP or in Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situation (AICS) that politicians are prohibited to go to the payout center. This means their presence is not allowed while the payout is ongoing,” he stated.

Gatchalian also urged the public to remain vigilant against politicians who make promises involving AKAP and other DSWD programs.

“Many can make promises to you that once I win, you will receive this, receive that. But I want to make it clear to you that whoever will give you promises, up to its tail end, it will return to the DSWD. And only the DSWD can decide who can receive financial assistance and how much you will receive,” he added. — Philippine Star News Service/FPL