Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Secretary Rex Gatchalian reiterated anew on Monday (March 31) that no referral is needed to access the Ayuda sa Kapos Ang Kita Program (AKAP) as only social workers can determine who can qualify for the program and the corresponding amount of assistance to be given.

In an interview over Bombo Radyo, the DSWD chief answered a question pertaining to measures undertaken by the Department to protect the AKAP from being used by politicians during the campaign period.

Secretary Gatchalian said the sole decision for the provision of AKAP is made by the DSWD with requests for assistance carefully assessed by agency social workers.

“Ina-assure namin na isang grupo lang ang pwedeng magtakda kung sino ang makakatanggap ng tulong pinansyal, yung isang grupo lang ang pwedeng mangako sa inyo, ‘yan yung mga social worker ng DSWD,” Secretary Gatchalian told Bombo Radyo.

The AKAP is provided to individuals in crisis situations who are earning below the minimum wage rate. Persons who are qualified may go directly to the DSWD office nearest them bringing their identification cards and proofs of ‘need’ such as medical bills, death certificate, hospital promissory note and the like.

The DSWD chief further explained that politicians are not even allowed inside pay-out centers as specifically stated in the joint AKAP guidelines drafted by the DSWD together with the National Economic Development Authority (NEDA) and the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE).

“Sa mga guidelines natin, hindi lang sa AKAP kundi sa Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situation (AICS) nakalagay naman talaga na bawal ang ating mga kaibigang politiko na magtungo sa mga payout center. Ibig sabihin, hindi sila pwedeng nandoon habang nag pe-payout kami,” Senator Gatchalian pointed out.

The DSWD chief also appealed to the public to be vigilant against politicians issuing promises using the AKAP and other programs of the Department.

“Maraming pwedeng mangako sa inyo na, “oo, pag ako nanalo ito ibibigay ko sa inyo, makakatanggap kayo ng ganito…” pero gusto kong linawin sa inyo na kahit sino pa ang mangako sa inyo, ultimo sa dulo babalik pa rin yan sa DSWD, at DSWD pa rin ang magtatakda kung sino ang makakatanggap ng tulong at magkano ang tulong na ibibigay,” Secretary Gatchalian said.