FLORA, Apayao – The Ayuda sa Kapos ang Kita Program (AKAP), designed to support minimum wage earners in Apayao from the effects of inflation, has been rolled out in three barangays in the province.
Supported by Apayao Lone District Representative Eleanor C. Bulut-Begtang, the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) launched the program on May 18 during the celebration of Provincial Founder’s Day at Barangay EKB, Kabugao. The rollout continued in Upper Atok and Malayugan, Flora, Apayao, coinciding with the inauguration and turnover of two Balay Pagdadarnan.
AKAP aims to assist near-poor individuals, minimum wage earners, and those in the informal economy, shielding them from the adverse effects of inflation and preventing them from slipping into poverty. Beneficiaries in Apayao, including barangay captains, barangay kagawads, barangay tanods, barangay health workers, and barangay nutrition scholars, each received PhP3,000.
Bulut-Begtang highlighted that AKAP addresses the needs of barangay officials who are not eligible for other DSWD programs such as TUPAD, cash for work, 4Ps, and other initiatives. According to DSWD-Cordillera (DSWD CAR), 227 individuals in Apayao will benefit from AKAP.
In a recorded message during the simultaneous launch of AKAP nationwide, DSWD Secretary Rex Gatchalian emphasized the importance of social services in strengthening and protecting the purchasing power of Filipinos under the administration of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.
“Sa ilalim ng administrasyon ni Pangulong Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., nais nating bigyang diin ang halaga ng social services, gaya ng AKAP, sa pagpapalakas at pagprotekta sa kakayahan ng ating mga mamamayan na mamili ng pang araw-araw nilang gastusin,” said Secretary Gatchalian.
“Ang AKAP ay isang bagong programa na iniatas sa DSWD na layuning magbigay ng tulong sa mga Pilipino na itinuturing na minimum wage earners, mahihirap, near poor, at mga nasa informal economy. Layunin din ng programang ito na magsilbing proteksyon para sa mga benepisyaryo na unang na-a-apektuhan ang pang araw-araw na kabuhayan dulot ng pabago-bagong sitwasyon ng ekonomiya,” he explained.
DSWD-Apayao confirmed that all barangays in the province will receive aid under this program. The initiative aims to help beneficiaries cope with the rising prices of goods and maintain their daily living standards. By Krizza Joy Castillo
