President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Thursday declared a major expansion of the government’s Unified Package for Livelihood, Industry, Food and Transport (UPLIFT) initiative, broadening its financial reach to cover approximately 7.5 million households, or an estimated 37.5 million individuals.
In a pre-recorded video message, the President explained that the boosted relief program aims to cushion citizens from the fallout of persistent disruptions in the international petroleum supply, which have pushed up fuel rates and increased the prices of everyday consumer goods.
Under the updated relief package, a one-off cash injection of up to ₱2,000 will be distributed to roughly 3.5 million beneficiaries currently registered under the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) and the Walang Gutom Program.
The government will likewise provide relief to 2.5 million impoverished and near-poor families mapped out through the 2024 Community-Based Monitoring System (CBMS).
Additionally, 1.5 million low-wage earners and their households, verified by the Social Security System (SSS), are slated to receive a monthly subsidy of ₱2,000 running from July to December.
The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) will spearhead the rollout of the widened UPLIFT program, collaborating with other pertinent state agencies.
According to President Marcos, the primary goal of the intervention is to protect the spending power of Filipino families, defend their means of living, and maintain national economic stability during these global trials.
He also noted that the administration will utilize digital networks to ensure the fast and convenient payout of the funds.
The expanded economic buffer comes as volatile geopolitical friction in the Middle East continues to destabilize international energy sectors.
The collapse of a delicate diplomatic arrangement between the United States and Iran has led to fresh clashes following failed peace talks, triggering American military strikes and a naval blockade in response to attacks on merchant ships traveling through the Strait of Hormuz.