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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider Marcos expands UPLIFT aid to 7.5 million households amid oil price pressures

Marcos expands UPLIFT aid to 7.5 million households amid oil price pressures

Published Jul 16, 2026 12:07 pm  |  Updated Jul 16, 2026 01:33 pm

At A Glance

  • President Marcos expanded the government's UPLIFT Assistance program to provide additional aid to 7.5 million households affected by rising fuel prices.
  • Qualified beneficiaries will receive up to P2,000 in assistance, while eligible low-income workers will receive P2,000 monthly from July to December.
  • The government said the assistance will be distributed through digital platforms to speed up the release of benefits.
President Ferdinand 'Bongbong' Marcos Jr. (PCO)
President Ferdinand 'Bongbong' Marcos Jr. (PCO)

President Marcos announced the expansion of the government's Unified Package for Livelihood, Industry, Food, and Transport (UPLIFT) Assistance program to provide additional financial aid to 7.5 million households affected by the impact of rising global oil prices.

In a video message posted on his official social media pages, Marcos said the expanded assistance aims to help 37.5 million Filipinos cope with the economic effects of tensions in the Middle East, which continue to threaten global oil supply and drive up the prices of goods.

"Ngayong araw, pinalawak pa natin ang suportang ito sa pamamagitan ng UPLIFT Assistance (Today, we expanded the support through the UPLIFT Assistance)," the President said on Thursday, July 16.

Under the program, 3.5 million beneficiaries of the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) and the Walang Gutom Program will receive a one-time additional assistance of up to P2,000.

The government will also extend assistance to 2.5 million poor and near-poor households identified through the 2024 Community-Based Monitoring System (CBMS).

Another 1.5 million low-income workers and their families listed with the Social Security System (SSS) will receive P2,000 monthly from July until December.

Marcos said the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), together with other government agencies, will lead the implementation of the expanded assistance program.

He added that the government would ensure that the financial assistance is distributed "nang mabilis, maayos, at mas maginhawa (quick, orderly, more convenient)" through digital platforms.

P12.375 billion released

The Department of Budget and Management (DBM) has released P12.375 billion to fund the expanded UPLIFT Assistance program, Presidential Communications Office (PCO) Undersecretary Claire Castro said in a Palace press briefing on Thursday, July 16.

She added that the DBM issued the Special Allotment Release Order (SARO) and Notice of Cash Allocation (NCA) on Wednesday to support the rollout of the cash assistance.

Aid targets most vulnerable sectors

Responding to questions on why the government is extending cash assistance primarily to low-income households instead of the middle class, Castro said the program also covers near-poor families and low-income workers, not just indigent beneficiaries.

She added that while middle-income Filipinos may not receive direct cash assistance under the program, they are expected to benefit from government measures aimed at tempering the impact of higher fuel prices, including efforts to avoid an immediate increase in public transport fares.

Castro also said the government continues to provide support to the transport and logistics sector, including toll fee exemptions for vehicles delivering basic necessities and commodities, to help manufacturers keep prices stable.

She said the government has to prioritize sectors most in need of assistance, noting that available public funds must be balanced to address the impact of the Middle East crisis on vulnerable Filipinos.

"Unang-una po, ang talaga pong dapat na tulungan ay iyon talagang nangangailangan (We really need to help those who are in need)," Castro said.

She added that while all Filipinos are affected by rising fuel prices, the government is maximizing its limited budget to provide immediate assistance to those most affected.

Protect purchasing power

According to the President, the expanded assistance seeks to protect the purchasing power of Filipino families as they continue to face higher living costs.

Marcos said the government decided to widen the coverage of the program so that more Filipinos could benefit from the assistance.

The President noted that the expanded UPLIFT Assistance builds on Executive Order No. 110, which established the Unified Package for Livelihood, Industry, Food and Transport to protect livelihoods and help maintain economic stability amid global oil market disruptions.

He assured Filipinos that the government would continue implementing measures to cushion the impact of external economic shocks while helping Filipino families meet their daily needs.

Related Tags

President Marcos Bongbong Marcos Middle East conflict UPLIFT government assistance
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