DSWD eases AKAP guidelines

The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) announced on Thursday that it has simplified the guidelines for the Ayuda sa Kapos ang Kita Program (AKAP) to better assist target beneficiaries, including low-income and minimum-wage earners, particularly those who have been severely impacted by inflation.

Assistant Secretary Irene Dumlao, who also serves as the DSWD’s spokesperson, stated that the simplified AKAP guidelines now include a list of documentary requirements to facilitate a more systematic review and verification process. These guidelines are also designed to be more inclusive, covering individuals engaged in the formal and informal economy.

As of November this year, more than 4 million low-income and minimum-wage earners, including farmers, fisherfolk, and other workers from the informal economy, have received assistance through the AKAP program.

To establish eligibility as a minimum wage earner or low-income earner under the formal economy, applicants may present any of the following documents issued within the last three months: duly signed Contract of Employment; Certificate of Employment with Compensation; an Income Tax Return or BIR Form 2316; duly signed Audited Financial Statement, or a Certificate of Tax Exemption.

For the AKAP beneficiaries from the informal economy, the applicant must present any of the following: a certification from a direct employer; certification from government offices recognizing certain sectors or groups; association certification; business permit or barangay certification in case of small business owners.