The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) has assured that the Income Support Assistance (AKAP) will continue even without an allocation in the proposed 2026 national budget.
According to Budget Secretary Amenah Pangandaman, there is still ₱11 billion left that can be used until 2026.
Although AKAP has become controversial after some lawmakers called it the ‘bagong pork barrel,’ the DSWD has insisted that they alone have the power to distribute aid to poor families in need.
Meanwhile, DSWD Secretary Rex Gatchalian insisted that AKAP is still part of their programs. Other assistance programs like the Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situations (AICS) and emergency cash transfers for disaster victims will also continue to be implemented.
Sec. Pangandaman said it is up to Congress to reallocate AKAP next year.
Accordingly, the DSWD has a total funding of ₱220 billion for 2026.
