DOLE gets P1B for OFW cash aid program

DOLE received an additional P1 billion for its Abot Kamay ang Pagtulong (AKAP) program, which provides a one-time PHP10,000 cash aid to OFWs affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.

The initial allocation of P1.5 billion was close to being depleted as over 411,000 applications have been received, surpassing the original estimate of 150,000 affected workers.

As of Wednesday, DOLE had approved 142,550 applications while denying 27,675 due to various reasons such as multiple applications or not meeting eligibility criteria.