In central Visayas: Over P22M released for AKAP beneficiaries

CEBU, Philippines — A total of P22.64 million in public funds has already been disbursed by the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD)-7 for the newest poverty alleviation program of the government called Ayuda Para sa Kapos ang Kita (AKAP).

At least 7,548 beneficiaries in Central Visayas received P3,000 each during the simultaneous launch of the new program last Saturday, May 19, 2024.

According to DSWD-7, there were 5,539 beneficiaries from Cebu; 878 from Bohol; 747 from Negros Oriental; and 384 from Siquijor.

Mandaue City Lone District Rep. Emmarie “Lolypop” Ouano-Dizon together with some of the city councilors and barangay officials joined the nationwide launch of AKAP in Barangay Ibabao.

Dizon said there were 444 beneficiaries who received the AKAP assistance last Saturday. She said it was only the first of the series of payouts to be made under AKAP.

“Sinugdanan pa lang kini sa maong programa ug sa pagpadayon nga suporta gikan sa gobyerno,” Dizon told the beneficiaries.

She said that AKAP assistance is intended to give priority to low income earners or those workers receiving only minimum wage including the solo parents, fisher folks, vendors and similar sectors.

“Kini gisugdan sa atong Presidente Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr., ug gipangulohan ni House Speaker Martin Romualdez, lakip na si DSWD Secretary Rex Gatchalian, para mahatagan og pagtagad ang mga mamumuo nga low income earners o minimum wage earners sama sa sector sa mga solo parents, fisherfolk, vendors ug uban pa,” Dizon said.

She thanked the president for the benefits in behalf of her constituents.

AKAP is one the government initiatives to address inflation and protect the purchasing power of the families amid the economic challenges. This is a financial assistance to minimum wage earners falling under the category of low income that were severely affected by the rising cost of living.

It covers individuals belonging to low-income category such as tricycle drivers, laborers, farmers, kasambahays, security guards, barangay health workers, barangay tanods, sales ladies, carenderia workers, carpenters, etc.

DSWD-7 regional information officer Leah Quintana said the payout for more beneficiaries will continue as soon as they have the schedule. — (FREEMAN)