Around 7.5 million Filipino households are set to receive direct government assistance following the launch of the Unified Package for Livelihoods, Industry, Food, and Transport (UPLIFT) Assistance Program by President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.
The program aims to help vulnerable families manage the impact of rising living costs while protecting jobs, livelihoods, and the broader economy.
The rollout of UPLIFT complements legislative efforts led by the House of Representatives under Speaker Bojie Dy and the Ad Hoc Committee on Legislative Energy and Development (LEAD), chaired by Marikina Rep. Miro Quimbo.
The LEAD initiative has pushed for the Kalinga bill, which seeks to provide relief from inflationary pressures through targeted assistance, tax reforms, and measures aimed at reducing the cost of essential goods and services.
“Through LEAD, the House has consistently pushed for practical, targeted, and fiscally responsible measures that ease the burden on families while supporting long-term economic resilience,” Quimbo said.
“We see and welcome this same commitment reflected in the national government’s UPLIFT program, which is set to serve and benefit millions of Filipinos,” he added.
Under the program, beneficiaries will be divided into three groups:
- Around 3.5 million households enrolled in the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) and Walang Gutom Program will receive a one-time ₱2,000 assistance.
- About 2.5 million poor and near-poor households identified through the 2024 Community-Based Monitoring System (CBMS) but not covered by 4Ps or Walang Gutom will receive ₱2,000 monthly from July to December 2026.
- Approximately 1.5 million low-income workers and their families, identified through Social Security System (SSS) records, will also receive ₱2,000 monthly from July to December 2026, subject to program guidelines.
The assistance package is part of the administration’s broader strategy to protect purchasing power, encourage household spending, and strengthen domestic economic activity amid global economic uncertainties.
Quimbo emphasized that social protection programs must be paired with responsible economic management.
“Our objective has always been clear: to ensure that government assistance reaches those who need it most while maintaining fiscal discipline and supporting sustainable economic growth. UPLIFT is a concrete example of how coordinated action between the Executive and Congress can deliver meaningful relief to millions of Filipino families,” he said.
The UPLIFT Assistance Program is being implemented by the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) in coordination with other government agencies, with beneficiary identification and distribution systems designed for each qualified group.