oleh admin | Mar 27, 2025 | government, news, public policy, social welfare, welfare
MANILA, Philippines
—
The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) has realigned its Ayuda sa Kapos ang Kita Program (Akap) to assist those earning less than the minimum wage among Filipinos.
Social Welfare Secretary Rex Gatchalian revealed the change in policy on Thursday at a press briefing held at the DSWD main office in Quezon City.
“Last year, the specific clause referred to ‘low-income’ individuals. Now, it has been refined to mean people earning less than the minimum wage… It is more targeted since, as recalled from the President’s veto statement, they mentioned below minimum wage. Hence, those eligible are citizens whose earnings fall below the set minimum,” he explained in Filipino.
He mentioned that the updated guidelines mandate publishing details about Akap recipients on the DSWD website and social media channels to boost transparency.
With the midterm elections drawing near, steps have been taken to avoid political meddling.
Applicants will not be permitted to participate in distribution events or show promotional items associated with the program.
READ:
DSWD prohibits politicians and political materials from participating in ‘Akap’ distributions.
“We will ensure that during the distribution of payments—which has become an issue, correct?—there won’t be any politicians involved. We will also see to it that their materials are not present,” Gatchalian stated in Filipino.
Almost five million nearly impoverished Filipinos received assistance from Akap within its initial year. The initiative successfully utilized 99.31 percent of its ₱26.7 billion allocation. Areas including Cagayan Valley, Davao, and Caraga saw complete absorption of their allocated funds at 100 percent.
In 2025, an allocation of ₱26 billion has been set for AKAP, aimed at assisting five million individuals earning less than minimum wage. The aid will include medical support, funeral assistance, food provisions, and monetary help via the DSWD’s Crisis Intervention Units and their branch locations.
Gatchalian stated that the guidelines were developed with contributions from NEDA and DOLE.
READ:
DSWD reports nearly 5 million Filipinos received aid through Akap; 99% of funds utilized.
“I want to highlight that the Akap guidelines underwent extensive study and development. This wasn’t just done by us at the DSWD; we worked together with the DOLE and NEDA to shape the joint memorandum circular which served as the foundation for our implementation of Akap,” he explained in Filipino.
Sheba Barr, SANGGRALOKA.net intern
oleh admin | Mar 27, 2025 | education, politics and government, public policy, social welfare, welfare
CEBU CITY, Philippines – Around 115,729 households benefiting from the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps), managed by the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), are set to graduate from the initiative in the Central Visayas region.
Based on a press statement released by DSWD-7 on Thursday, there are 79,205 4Ps households located in Cebu, which encompasses areas within highly urbanized cities, whereas 36,524 families reside in Bohol.
The graduation events for the recipients, known as the Saulog 4Ps Ceremonial Graduation, continue at different times across multiple local government units (LGUs).
Various local government units have already held their graduation ceremonies. In Cebu, this includes events in Consolacion and Liloan on March 14, Lapu-Lapu City on March 17, Asturias on March 19, and Danao City on March 25.
At the same time, in Bohol, the events took place in Talibon on March 18 and in Dauis on March 19.
The graduates who meet this criterion have been recognized as reaching self-reliance according to the most recent Social Welfare Development Indicators provided by the DSWD.
The SWDI aims to evaluate and track the improvement in the quality of life of 4Ps household members and to assist with case management for a lasting escape from poverty.
Based on the DSWD criteria, for individuals to be deemed self-reliant upon exiting the program, they must generate sufficient earnings to cover their expenses, satisfy their day-to-day requirements, and attain at minimum the initial two stages of the SWDI framework—the Survival stage (Stage 1) and the Subsistence phase (Stage 2).
“I extend my congratulations to every single one of you for achieving what you set out to accomplish when you first joined the program. You have devoted countless hours, put in significant effort, and made great sacrifices to meet all the requirements of this program, and today, you stand at the threshold of graduation,” stated DSWD-7 Director Shalaine Marie Lucero during the event held in Lapu-Lapu City.
Lucero likewise motivated the graduates to persist, put in considerable effort, and utilize the knowledge gained from the organization’s bi-monthly Family Development Sessions (FDS) as they endeavor to realize their aspirations.
Bernita Tubio from Dauis, Bohol, one of the graduates, gave her testimonial, highlighting her pride in having three of her offspring complete their college education, including two who are currently employed as seamen.
Starting from January of this year, Tubio has taken up the role of a Barangay Health Worker (BHW) within her neighborhood.
“Tulo na ang among mga bata nga nagtatan-aw ngadto sa pagtapos sa balayosa. Dako ang among pasasalamat alang sa gobyerno ug hiniusab sa programa 4Ps, nga nagtabango kanako aron mabalhin ang among mga gamhanan sa balayosa,” wangsang tubigon ni Tubio. (Now I have three of my children looking forward to finishing their education. Greatly thankful am I to the government and particularly through the 4Ps program, which has supported me in sending my offspring to school.)
Lucero likewise recognized the cooperative work among several national government agencies, local government units, and civic groups in delivering varied assistance programs aimed at enhancing the quality of life for families enrolled in the 4Ps initiative.
Introduced in 2008 and officially established in 2019 via Republic Act No. 11310, the 4Ps initiative offers financial assistance to recognized low-income families. This includes educational support for kids to complete primary and secondary schooling, healthcare benefits, as well as aid for purchasing rice.
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oleh admin | Mar 24, 2025 | debt, financial crises, government, politics and government, social welfare
KUALA LUMPUR, March 25 — Data from the Malaysian Insolvency Department reveals that an astonishing 14 percent of government employees were declared bankrupt last year.
This concerning figure has led key governmental figures such as Chief Secretary to the Government Tan Sri Shamsul Azri Abu Bakar to frequently caution against the escalating personal debts of employees in the public sector.
Consequently, this pattern has ignited vigorous discussions regarding its origins and possible remedies.
What reasons explain why an increasing number of government employees are accumulating debts?
Shamsul links the increase in individual debts amongst public sector workers mainly to their lifestyle preferences. He highlighted that governmental staff members who carry heavy financial obligations tend to overspend, giving examples of individuals buying vehicles priced at almost 20 times their monthly income or regularly acquiring top-of-the-line smartphones and laptops.
He proposed that seeking approval through social media contributes to this behavior, often known as “FOMO” (fear of missing out). This term encapsulates the tendency to buy costly things to stay current with fashion and match others around them.
Consequently, numerous government employees rack up credit card debts and then resort to taking substantial personal loans to settle these original liabilities, frequently aiming to reduce their monthly financial burdens. According to interviews conducted with bank representatives for *Malay Mail*, debtors usually stretch their loan periods across multiple years, which leads them to end up paying higher amounts in interest charges.
The increase in buy-now-pay-later (BNPL) services might have worsened the issue by offering unrestricted and effortless access to credit. Experts suggest that these BNPL systems subtly “influence” customers to spend more since they allow for splitting payments into smaller, usually interest-free installments.
According to a 2023 research conducted by the Malaysian Insolvency Department, half of the bankruptcy cases involving government employees were caused by personal loans—a situation that similarly affects many young individuals working in the private sector.
Government employees were seen strolling through the Putrajaya governmental complex during daylight hours. — Image by Raymond Manuel
Rules governing loan caps for government employees
Calls have been made to impose stricter borrowing limits on civil servants. At present, these employees can dedicate up to 60 percent of their monthly income towards repaying loans—a limit that some critics believe is excessively generous.
The limitation mentioned here is established by legislation through Rule 13 of the Public Officer (Conduct and Discipline) Regulations 1993. This rule stipulates that a public officer’s aggregate debt obligations should not surpass 60 percent of their monthly earnings, thereby guaranteeing they maintain at least 40 percent of their income for personal use.
In contrast to those working in the private sector, civil servants have access to an expedited debt management service via the Malaysian National Cooperative Movement (Angkasa).
The system automatically sets aside a predetermined part of their salary for loan repayment. Nevertheless, detractors suggest that this might foster an attitude among civil servants who think that Angkasa will assist them in handling their debts, irrespective of how much they have borrowed.
The government’s reaction to the crisis
Even with warnings and the possibility of severe consequences, such as possible termination, the Malaysian Insolvency Department (MDI) Chief Executive Officer Datuk M. Bakri Abd Majid disclosed in January that certain junior government employees were permitted to incur debts amounting to up to RM1 million.
The organization has suggested reducing the debt limit to 45 percent of take-home pay, implying that an employee’s overall monthly debt obligations should not go beyond 55 percent of their earnings.
Responses to this suggestion have varied. The Public Service Director-General, Tan Sri Wan Ahmad Dahlan Abdul Aziz, has shown guarded approval, emphasizing the need for a meticulous strategy when putting it into practice.
Concerns have been raised that tighter borrowing restrictions might lead public sector workers towards unauthorized lenders. Cuepacs, the Congress of Unions of Employees in the Public and Civil Service, has cautioned that heavy debts could increase government staff’s susceptibility to corruption.
Government employees were seen strolling through the streets of Putrajaya. — Picture By Raymond Manuel
According to a 2016 survey conducted by Cuepacs, out of Malaysia’s 1.6 million public sector workers, around 170,000 individuals—or about 11 percent—were implicated in lending frauds, leading to an aggregate loss amounting to RM340 million.
As the discussion goes on, those who make policies need to find a middle ground between maintaining fiscal responsibility and making sure government employees do not resort to unauthorized or unlawful borrowing channels.
oleh admin | Mar 24, 2025 | human rights, humanitarian aid, humanitarianism, refugees, social welfare
Dhaka [
Bangladesh
On Monday, NGOs and United Nations organizations called upon the global community to contribute $934.5 million in order to assist 1.48 million individuals.
Rohingya
refugees accommodated in Cox’s Bazar and Bhasan Char
Bangladesh
I accommodate communities in UKHIYA and TEKNAF.
“Under the guidance of the Leadership
Bangladesh
the government, the 2025-26 Combined Action Plan (CAP) for
Rohingya
“NGO and the United Nations issued a joint statement announcing the launch of the Humanitarian Crisis initiative on March 24, 2025,” they said.
The JRP is a two-year funding proposal that outlines the collective approach the humanitarian sector aims to take in addressing the identified and communicated requirements of those in need.
Rohingya
“while introducing more sustainable approaches for refugees and the host communities impacted.” It stated.
As the refugee crisis reaches its eighth year, the UN along with its partners urge the global community to broaden their assistance in tackling the most critical requirements.
Rohingya
refugees and
Bangladesh
The statement read, ‘Communities that are hosting them,’
Persistent strife in Myanmar, shrinking funds, and pressing worldwide emergencies highlight the urgent need for the global community to increase support.
Rohingya
Refugees, who stay in an unstable condition, completely reliant on humanitarian assistance, according to the International Organization for Migration (IOM).
The 2025-26 Combined Response Plan (CRP) for the
Rohingya
A Humanitarian Crisis has united 113 collaborators and is now being introduced simultaneously by IOM and
UNHCR
under the guidance of the
Bangladesh
Government.
According to the IOM, in its eighth year, the
Rohingya
The humanitarian crisis continues to receive limited attention from the global community, yet the needs remain pressing.
Over half of the individuals living in these camps are females, increasing their vulnerability to gender-based violence and exploitation; additionally, one out of every three people faces this heightened risk.
Rohingya
refugees in
Bangladesh
falls within the age range of 10 to 24 years old. According to IOM, without proper educational resources, sufficient skill development, and avenues for self-sufficiency, these individuals face an uncertain future with limited prospects. (ANI)
Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc.
Syndigate.info
).
oleh admin | Mar 24, 2025 | disability, government regulations, news, social security, social welfare
Two individuals suffering from Multiple Sclerosis (MS) have informed LIFEHACK that they find the government’s proposals to change disability benefits utterly terrifying.
The administration intends to
alter the qualifying conditions for Personal Independence Payment (PIP)
As part of its changes aimed at saving £5 billion.
PIP is provided to individuals in England and Wales who struggle with daily activities or mobility due to an ongoing physical or mental health issue.
Phoebe Day, hailing from Alton in Hampshire, stated that the advantage provided was like “a lifeline for individuals struggling amidst the chaotic circumstances of dealing with a disability.”
Ms. Day, who is in her thirties, works for a nonprofit organization, but her multiple sclerosis and extreme tiredness have led her to reduce her work hours.
“MS is making every effort to strip my career away from me, but I’m holding onto it tightly,” she shared with the LIFEHACK.
If I were to lose PIP, I’d have to work an additional day, which would eventually exhaust me to the point where I likely couldn’t work anymore.
She charged the government with attempting to take away PIP from individuals with disabilities.
“PIP is not a luxury. It is an essential requirement, and the thought of losing it is both frightening and destabilizing,” she said additionally.
As per the government’s proposals, the conditions required to qualify for this benefit will become more stringent starting November 2026, which could lead to decreased payouts for numerous recipients.
Work and Pensions Secretary Liz Kendall stated that the government will not “hesitate to make the choices they deem necessary to provide chances for individuals capable of working,” while simultaneously ensuring “support for those unable to do so.”
She mentioned that these modifications would guarantee “reliability and equity within the social security framework, ensuring it remains accessible for current needs as well as future requirements.”
However, pensioner John Stainton, who is also from Hampshire, questioned, “Why do people with a diagnosed disability face so much stress and strain?”
Sure, it’s crucial for individuals to seek their own sense of purpose and accomplishment, indeed. However, we must also ensure that there is a support system in place to guaranteedisabled peopleare well taken care of.
Mr Stainton, who also suffers from MS, had to retire in his early 60s because of poor health.
Initially denied Personal Independence Payment (PIP), he ultimately succeeded in overturning the decision through legal action against the Department for Work and Pensions.
He stated that the advantage “simply implies I won’t have to concern myself with expending additional resources on minor aspects that enhance my overall well-being.”
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More on this story
-
Overview: Major modifications to benefits within the welfare reform
-
Benefits crackdown unveiled with aim to save £5bn a year by 2030
-
What are the Pip and universal credit changes and who is affected?
