Only individuals earning below the minimum wage are now eligible for financial assistance under the revised guidelines of the Ayuda sa Kapos at Kita Program (AKAP), Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Secretary Rex Gatchalian announced on Thursday.

At a press briefing, Gatchalian said the changes align with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s veto message in the General Appropriations Act (GAA), ensuring more targeted interventions that promote long-term improvement for beneficiaries while preventing misuse.

“Dati kasi last year, ang term na ginamit sa (the term used in the) special provision was low income. So, ngayon, mas defined siya as below minimum wage… mas manipis siya (now it’s more defined as below minimum wage.. it’s leaner),” Gatchalian said.

This will be based on the applicable minimum wage rate set by the Regional Tripartite Wage and Productivity Boards (RTWPBs).

The DSWD chief, however, clarified that the grant of financial assistance should be needs-based, including medical, funeral, and food assistance, as well as cash relief for displaced or laid-off workers.

“Social welfare must always have a reason. DSWD social workers process applications for AKAP and they determine the amount of aid to qualified beneficiaries based on their needs,” Gatchalian said.

He said the contents of the guidelines also seek to mitigate public woes on possible political interference in the program –not just amid the approaching mid-year election, but throughout its year-round implementation.

To prevent political interference, the revised rules prohibit the display of campaign materials or the presence of politicians during aid distribution.

“We will ensure that during the conduct of payouts, there will be no politicians. We will also make sure that there will be no campaign materials there,” he said.

Gatchalian said referrals from lawmakers or local officials will not guarantee approval, as DSWD social workers will handle the vetting process.

He urged Filipinos in need to just proceed to the nearest DSWD office and present the documentary requirements.

“Show us what you need and we will help you,” he added.

To enhance transparency and accountability, Gatchalian said the DSWD would publish on its website the names of individuals –by province– who received assistance under AKAP at least every month.

In its first year (January–December 2024), AKAP assisted around 4.2 million near-poor Filipinos, utilizing PHP26.157 billion, or 99.31 percent of its PHP26.7 billion budget.

For 2025, the program aims to support 5 million below-minimum wage earners with a PHP26-billion allocation. (PNA)