The Philippine government has announced a new round of cash assistance for 7.5 million low-income households affected by higher oil prices.
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. said the support would be released through the Uplift Assistance program, with the Department of Social Welfare and Development handling its implementation.
The UPLIFT framework brings together government support for livelihoods, industry, food, and transport amid the economic impact of conflict in the Middle East.
Selected Workers May Get P12,000 in Six Months
Around 1.5 million low-income workers and their families whose records have been verified by the Social Security System are expected to receive P2,000 per month.
Payments will cover July to December 2026.
This means each qualified recipient may receive a total of P12,000 over six months.
The announcement did not provide instructions for applying, checking eligibility, or updating SSS information.
Workers should wait for formal guidelines from the DSWD, SSS, or other government agencies before submitting personal information.
Extra P2,000 Planned for 4Ps Beneficiaries
The government will also provide a one-time additional cash payment of up to P2,000 to around 3.5 million beneficiaries under the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program and Walang Gutom Program.
Because these beneficiaries are already registered under government assistance programs, the authorities may use existing records to identify qualified households.
However, officials have not yet released the payment schedule or explained whether beneficiaries must complete another verification process.
Other Poor Households Included in Coverage
Another 2.5 million poor and near-poor households identified through the 2024 Community-Based Monitoring System are also expected to receive assistance.
Together, the groups represent 7.5 million households or about 37.5 million Filipinos, according to the government announcement.
The aid forms part of the government’s wider response to fuel-price increases, following earlier support for transport workers, farmers, fisherfolk, and low-income families.