August 14, 2025
MANILA – The proposed 2026 national budget allocates over ₱112.9 billion to the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps), but provides no funding for the Ayuda sa Kapos ang Kita Program (AKAP).
Budget Secretary Amenah Pangandaman confirmed that AKAP, a subsidy program for minimum-wage earners, is not included in the 2026 National Expenditure Program (NEP). She explained that there are still remaining funds for AKAP under the 2025 budget, and with limited fiscal space, priority was given to other programs.
Pangandaman noted that government agencies submitted budget proposals amounting to more than ₱10 trillion, but not all requests could be accommodated.
AKAP, which received ₱26 billion in the 2025 budget, previously sparked debate over its implementation and coverage.
House Committee on Appropriations Chairperson Mikaela Suansing said AKAP has not yet been discussed in the chamber, but lawmakers will refer to the NEP in budget deliberations. She defended the program, saying it greatly benefits those not reached by the Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situations (AICS) program and provides relief to minimum-wage workers.
In his budget message, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. affirmed that the 4Ps funding will help support 4.4 million marginalized households by providing cash grants, rice subsidies, enhanced support services, and health monitoring for mothers and children during the first 1,000 days—from pregnancy until the child turns two years old.
The proposed 2026 budget also includes ₱11 billion for the Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa Ating Disadvantaged Workers (TUPAD) program and ₱2.2 billion for the Department of Labor and Employment Integrated Livelihood Program.
