Marcos Announces P12,000 Cash Assistance for 7.5 Million Filipino Families
President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has announced a new financial assistance program that will provide up to ₱12,000 in cash aid to 7.5 million Filipino households affected by rising oil prices brought about by the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.
The assistance will be released under the United Package for Livelihoods, Industry, Food, and Transport (UPLIFT) program, which will be implemented by the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD).
According to the President, the program aims to help millions of Filipino families cope with the increasing cost of living.
What is the UPLIFT Assistance Program?
The UPLIFT Assistance Program is a government financial assistance initiative designed to provide cash aid to qualified low-income and poor households affected by the increase in fuel prices.
According to President Marcos, the program is expected to benefit around 7.5 million households, or approximately 37.5 million Filipinos nationwide.
READ: President Marcos SCPF Educational Assistance Gives ₱20,000 to College Students
Who will receive the ₱12,000 Cash Assistance?
Based on the announcement, the following beneficiaries will receive assistance:
Low-Income Workers
Around 1.5 million low-income workers and their families with verified records from the Social Security System (SSS) will receive:
- ₱2,000 per month
- From July to December 2026
- Total assistance of ₱12,000
Poor and Near-Poor Households
About 2.5 million poor and near-poor households identified through the 2024 Community-Based Monitoring System (CBMS) will also receive:
- ₱2,000 per month
- From July to December 2026
- Total assistance of ₱12,000
4Ps and Walang Gutom Beneficiaries
Around 3.5 million beneficiaries of the following programs will receive:
- Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps)
- Walang Gutom Program
Qualified beneficiaries will receive a one-time additional cash assistance of up to ₱2,000.
Purpose of the Assistance
According to President Marcos, the UPLIFT program aims to help Filipino families continue meeting their daily needs despite rising fuel prices.
He also said the government will ensure that the assistance is distributed quickly, efficiently, and through digital channels whenever possible.
Will Middle-Class Families Receive the Assistance?
Malacañang clarified that the financial assistance is intended primarily for poor and low-income households.
According to Palace Press Officer Claire Castro, middle-class families will not receive direct cash assistance under the program. However, they may benefit from other government measures, including:
- Suspension of public transport fare increases
- Reduced toll fees
- Lower port fees for agricultural products
- Measures to help prevent increases in the prices of basic goods
The government explained that available funds are being prioritized for those who are most in need.
Previous Government Assistance
The UPLIFT program is the second wave of assistance under Executive Order No. 110, which placed the country under a national state of energy emergency.
Earlier government assistance included:
- ₱5,000 cash assistance for qualified public transport workers through the DSWD’s Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situations (AICS)
- Fuel subsidies for qualified jeepney and UV Express operators
- Service contracting programs for public utility vehicles
