Majority of Filipinos Find ‘Ayuda’ Programs Beneficial

MANILA – A recent survey commissioned by the Stratbase Group reveals that most Filipinos believe the government’s social welfare programs have been effective. The poll, conducted by Social Weather Stations (SWS), found that 90% of respondents consider the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) helpful, while 88% view the Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa Ating Disadvantaged/Displaced Workers (TUPAD) program positively.

The 4Ps offers financial assistance to impoverished families, contingent on meeting certain requirements like ensuring children’s medical checkups and school attendance. Meanwhile, TUPAD, managed by the Department of Labor and Employment, provides emergency employment opportunities to displaced workers, particularly in the informal sector.

SWS also found that 81% of respondents found the Ayuda sa Kapos ang Kita Program (AKAP) useful, alongside the same percentage who said the Walang Gutom Program, aimed at combating hunger, was beneficial to low-income Filipinos. AKAP, administered by the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), offers financial aid to minimum-wage earners not covered by other government assistance programs.

The program gained controversy late last year when Senator Imee Marcos claimed the fund was added to the budget without being part of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s original proposal.

The Stratbase survey, conducted between January 17 and 20, 2025, had a sample size of 1,800 respondents and a ±2% margin of error.

Social Welfare Programs Boost Well-being and Financial Stability – Pulse Survey

Another survey commissioned by Stratbase Group from Pulse Asia showed that 82% of respondents believe the 4Ps program has improved the financial stability of lower-income Filipinos. Similarly, 82% also felt that TUPAD contributed positively to the overall well-being of Filipinos by providing livelihoods and ensuring employment.

As for AKAP, 81% of those surveyed said it was beneficial to the financial stability of lower-income families.

Pulse Asia conducted its survey from January 18 to 25, 2025, with 2,400 respondents and a ±2% margin of error.

Dindo Manhit, president of Stratbase Group, emphasized the importance of transparency in the government’s social welfare programs, especially amid rising food prices. He noted that with 90% of Filipinos feeling the strain of increased food costs, particularly rice, these programs have become essential for families struggling to meet their basic needs.

Manhit stressed the importance of ensuring that public funds serve their intended purpose, specifically to improve the lives of the poor, and not for personal gain.

Last week, the House of Representatives approved on second reading House Bill No. 11395, known as the proposed AICS Act, which seeks to institutionalize the Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situations (AICS) program. The bill aims to prevent abuse of the program by public officials and ensure its continuation in future administrations.