Philippines launches UPLIFT cash aid for 7.5 million families

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. announced that the United Package for Livelihoods, Industry, Food and Transport (UPLIFT) assistance program will provide up to P12,000 per household to 7.5 million families (about 37.5 million people) across the Philippines. The aid consists of a P2,000 monthly subsidy from July to December for 1.5 million low‑income households verified by the Social Security System, and the same amount for 2.5 million poor and near‑poor households identified through the 2024 Community‑Based Monitoring System. In addition, a one‑time cash grant of up to P2,000 will be given to 3.5 million beneficiaries of the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino (4Ps) and Walang Gutom programs. The Department of Social Welfare and Development will implement the program using budget savings approved under National Budget Circulars 602 and 603. House Representative Miro Quimbo highlighted that the LEAD legislative initiative aligns with the UPLIFT package, emphasizing targeted, fiscally responsible measures to protect purchasing power and sustain economic activity.

The program is financed as part of the administration’s broader effort to cushion households from rising living costs caused by global oil price spikes and to maintain domestic consumption amid global economic uncertainty.