Department of Economy, Planning, and Development (DEPDev) Undersecretary Joseph J. Capuno formalised the government’s strategic response to the ongoing Middle East conflict during a joint committee hearing of the Legislative Energy Action and Development (LEAD) committee at the House of Representatives.
Undersecretary Capuno introduced the Unified Package for Livelihoods, Industry, Food, and Transport (UPLIFT) Response Framework. This comprehensive roadmap is designed to fortify economic resilience through a dual-track approach of immediate interventions and long-term structural reforms.
The UPLIFT framework focuses on five pillars: transport availability, food security, domestic energy stability, business continuity, and the social protection of the nation’s most vulnerable sectors.
“The government’s response focuses on targeted and timely subsidies for vulnerable households rather than uniform reductions,” Undersecretary Capuno noted, emphasizing a data-driven approach to resource allocation.
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Transport & Mobility: Immediate relief is being deployed through fuel subsidies, fare discounts, and direct financial assistance to Public Utility Vehicle (PUV) operators. Long-term, DEPDev is pushing for an expanded electric vehicle (EV) ecosystem and the development of infrastructure for alternative transportation modes.
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Food Security: To maintain affordable food supplies, the government is providing fertilizer and fuel subsidies to farmers and fisherfolks. Additional measures include enhanced logistical support for agricultural transport and rigorous rice distribution management.
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Energy & Labor: Beyond securing a stable domestic energy supply, the government has prioritized the welfare of Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs). Comprehensive repatriation assistance and reintegration services are active for those affected by the regional instability.
The presentation to the LEAD committee underscores the administration’s commitment to transparency and legislative synergy. Undersecretary Capuno was joined by Director Aldwin U. Urbina (Monitoring and Evaluation Staff) and Director Desiree Joy O. Narvaez (National Policy and Planning Staff) to provide technical insights on the framework’s implementation and oversight.
The DEPDev remains vigilant in monitoring global developments to ensure that the UPLIFT framework evolves alongside the needs of the Filipino people.
