Know the difference: ‘AKAP, AICS, 4Ps are programs of DSWD, not DOLE,’ reminds DOLE Kalinga

Tabuk City, Kalinga – Dealing with mix-ups has become one of the routines of the guards at the Department of Labor and Employment(DOLE) – Kalinga Field Office in Bulanao, redirecting people who interchange the programs of DOLE with the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD).

DOLE Kalinga Chief Avelina Manganip narrated to GURU Press Cordillera that people often come to their office to avail of or inquire about the Ayuda sa Kapos ang Kita Program (AKAP), Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situation(AICS), and the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program or 4Ps programs of the government.

Sometimes, these people become annoyed and angry when employees explain that those are not part of their program.

DOLE cannot accommodate those individuals because the programs they are asking for assistance from are not covered by the department. Those types of aid that are designed to provide relief, immediate assistance to those in crisis, and reduce poverty through cash grants to poor households are not under DOLE, but DSWD, Manganip clarified.

It appears that many in Kalinga are not aware of the work of the “Department of Labor and Employment” and its difference from the Department of Social Welfare and Development, relates Manganip.

Manganip added that the programs run by DOLE include the Integrated Livelihood Program (DILP) which seeks to assist vulnerable workers by providing grants that can be used to start a livelihood project; Government Internship Program (GIP) which offers paid internships; and the Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa Ating Disadvantaged/Displaced Workers (TUPAD) which provides emergency employment opportunities.

“Iyanus tayo nga mapan idiay DSWD ta haan nga programa iti DOLE iti AKAP, AICS, ken 4Ps,” she said, asking for understanding from the public when they are told to go to DSWD as it is the right agency who can accommodate them for AKAP, AICS, and 4Ps applications and inquiries.