Over 129K Bicol families receive UPLIFT cash aid

By Keren Anne Bernadas

LEGAZPI CITY --- The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Field Office 5 expects to complete the rollout of financial assistance through the Unified Package for Livelihoods, Industry, Food, and Transport (UPLIFT) program for over 181,263 families in the Bicol region by August 15, Saturday.

Michael Gerome Bellena, the chief administrative officer of DSWD FO5, reported that as of August 12, the agency has achieved a 71 percent completion rate, having assisted 129,527 families across the six provinces in the region.

UPLIFT is an initiative launched by President Ferdinand ‘Bongbong’ Marcos Jr., which aims to provide a “whole-of-government” response to safeguard the purchasing power of Filipinos amid rising oil prices.

“This assistance is a collective effort to ensure that help reaches those most affected by the ‘domino effect’ of global market shifts on fare and food prices,” Bellena said.

According to the DSWD, the program aims to assist 7.5 million poor and low-income families in the country, categorized into three groups of beneficiaries:

Bucket 1: This group includes 3.5 million beneficiaries of the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) and the Walang Gutom Program. They receive a one-time assistance of P2,000, which has already been credited to their cash cards or integrated into food redemption systems.

Bucket 2: This group consists of 2.5 million poor and near-poor families identified through the Community-Based Monitoring System (CBMS). They are eligible to receive P2,000 monthly for six months, from July to December 2026.

Bucket 3: This group includes 1.5 million low-income members of the Social Security System (SSS), who will receive P2,000 monthly for six months directly through their SSS-linked accounts.

Bellena said that beneficiaries in Bucket 2 will soon receive the UPLIFT aid through digital wallets in the subsequent months.

While the July payout for Bucket 2 was conducted manually to verify identities, the DSWD is now assisting beneficiaries in setting up digital wallets or bank accounts.

“This is the start of a more modern and efficient way of delivering service,” Bellena said.

Beneficiaries will no longer have to wait in long lines, as funds will be deposited directly into their digital accounts, he said.

“This change ensures a faster, safer, and more convenient process,” he added.

For residents who are wondering why they were not included in the list, Bellena clarified the referral system.

“SSS members should coordinate directly with the Social Security System,” he said. “Those participating in the 4Ps or Walang Gutom programs may inquire with the DSWD.”

Families identified through the CBMS should visit the nearest Philippine Statistics Authority office, as their inclusion depends on the results of the CBMS survey and proximity tests, he added.

Marlie Astor, a 4Ps member from Legazpi City, expressed her gratitude to the national government for the assistance she received.

“Sa panahon ngayon, malaking bagay na po na may natanggap kaming tulong. Para po sa amin, kaya na po ito sa ilang araw na pagkain at pamasahe ng mga anak ko po,” she said.

“Thank you, President Marcos, for this initiative,” she added. (PIA Bicol)