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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider Visayas devider DSWD-NIR assures inclusive payout after transport of elderly UPLIFT recipient went viral

DSWD-NIR assures inclusive payout after transport of elderly UPLIFT recipient went viral

Published Aug 18, 2026 08:47 pm
BACOLOD CITY - The Department of Social Welfare and Development-Negros Island Region (DSWD-NIR) has reiterated its commitment to ensuring that social protection services remain accessible, responsive, and inclusive, particularly for beneficiaries who are unable to travel to designated payout venues.
The agency issued the statement following a viral video showing a beneficiary of the Unified Package for Livelihood, Industry, Food, and Transport Assistance (UPLIFT) program in Barangay Bi-ao, Binalbagan, Negros Occidental, being carried on a bamboo to attend an orientation for the release of assistance.
The video posted recently, drew mixed reactions from netizens and caught the attention of the DSWD-NIR.
According to the agency, bedridden or physically incapacitated beneficiaries are not required to personally appear at the payout venue to receive their assistance.
Under established payout procedures, any family member listed in the beneficiary’s family roster may claim the assistance on the beneficiary’s behalf without presenting an authorization letter.
“This mechanism is intended to ensure that beneficiaries who are unable to personally attend the payout due to their physical condition can still access the assistance intended for them,” the DSWD-NIR said. 
The agency also said it has mechanisms in place for beneficiaries who cannot travel, including house-to-house payouts for those who are bedridden or confined in hospitals, as well as appropriate arrangements for qualified beneficiaries in correctional facilities.
The DSWD-NIR further clarified that beneficiary verification is conducted on the actual date of the scheduled payout. 
Designated DSWD personnel carry out the required verification procedures to ensure that assistance is released only to qualified beneficiaries or their authorized family members, in accordance with program guidelines.
The agency emphasized that it remains committed to delivering government assistance efficiently, safely, and with dignity while continuously improving its payout procedures to make social protection services more accessible to those who need them most.
It also urged the public to rely on official DSWD-NIR channels and verified information for updates concerning UPLIFT and other social protection programs.
Meanwhile, the beneficiary’s grandson, who uploaded the viral video, clarified that his grandfather was not forced by barangay officials, social workers, or DSWD personnel to attend the payout venue despite his condition.
He explained that bringing his grandfather to the venue was their family’s own initiative because they were happy that he had been included among those who would receive the assistance. 
He said he did not expect the video to be interpreted negatively.
The grandson added that his grandfather arrived home safely and expressed gratitude for the government assistance.

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