PBBM expands UPLIFT program to protect 7.5 million low-income families from rising fuel prices

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Thursday announced a major expansion of the administration’s flagship social protection initiative to shield millions of low-income Filipino families from the impact of rising fuel costs and inflationary pressures triggered by ongoing tensions in the Middle East.

Building upon the framework of Executive Order No. 110, the newly launched UPLIFT Assistance (Unified Package for Livelihoods, Industry, Food, and Transport) is set to benefit an estimated 7.5 million households—representing approximately 37.5 million Filipinos nationwide. “Kapag tumataas ang gastusin, mas bumibigat ang pasanin ng bawat pamilyang nagsisikap tugunan ang kanilang pangangailangan, lalo na ang mga Pilipinong nasa laylayan ng lipunan,” President Marcos said in an official video message. “Layunin ng UPLIFT Assistance na mapangalagaan ang kakayahan ng mga pamilyang Pilipino na matustusan ang kanilang pang-araw-araw na pangangailangan.”

Led by the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) in coordination with other key government agencies, the expanded aid package targets vulnerable sectors through a multi-tiered financial support system:

• 4Ps and Walang Gutom Beneficiaries: A total of 3.5 million households under the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) and the Walang Gutom Program will receive a one-time financial top-up of up to PhP 2,000.

• CBMS-Identified Households: A total of 2.5 million poor and near-poor households verified through the 2024 Community-Based Monitoring System (CBMS) will receive PhP 2,000 per month covering the six-month period from July to December 2026.

• Low-Income Workers: A total of 1.5 million low-wage workers and their families validated through the Social Security System (SSS) database will likewise receive PhP 2,000 per month from July to December 2026.

To ensure transparency, speed, and public convenience, President Marcos assured the public that funds will be disbursed primarily through secure digital channels and direct payment systems.

“Sa ating pagkakaisa at pagtutulungan, mapapanatili natin ang katatagan ng ating bansa at maisusulong ang isang mas maunlad na kinabukasan para sa lahat sa ilalim ng isang Bagong Pilipinas,” the President added.