Negros occidental: A total of 10,285 near-poor households in three local government units (LGUs) are the initial beneficiaries of the national government's Unified Package for Livelihoods, Industry, Food, and Transport (UPLIFT) cash assistance in Negros Occidental.
According to Philippines News Agency, data from the Department of Social Welfare and Development-Negros Island Region (DSWD-NIR) showed that Sagay City has 4,625 beneficiaries, Hinigaran has 3,160 beneficiaries, and Talisay City has 2,500 beneficiaries. The payouts commenced in designated venues across the three LGUs and are scheduled to continue until July 24.
Group 2 beneficiaries, or households classified as 'near-poor,' are eligible to receive PHP2,000 each in monthly financial assistance from July to December 2026. The DSWD-NIR stated that the UPLIFT program aims to assist beneficiaries in addressing their essential needs while bolstering their economic resilience. "It forms part of DSWD's continuing commitment to provide responsive social protection interventions and improve the welfare of vulnerable Filipino families through sustained financial assistance," it added.
In Talisay City, Mayor Rowena Lopez-Lizares expressed gratitude to the national government for including the city in the pilot implementation of the UPLIFT program. "On behalf of the city government of Talisay, Negros Occidental, I express my heartfelt gratitude to President Bongbong Marcos, to the DSWD, and to all our partner-agencies," the mayor stated during a message ahead of the payout held at the New Talisay City Public Market.
In Sagay City, beneficiary Fema Olaira expressed her appreciation for the initial PHP2,000 cash assistance received from UPLIFT. "This is a huge help. I will use it to buy my husband's maintenance medication. The remaining amount will go to our other household needs," she said.
The list of UPLIFT program beneficiaries was generated through the Community-Based Monitoring System of the Philippine Statistics Authority to ensure that the assistance reaches eligible households based on validated socio-economic data. Those under Group 1, who are beneficiaries of the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program and the Walang Gutom Program, will receive a one-time PHP2,000 assistance. Low-income households under Group 3, identified by the Social Security System, will also receive PHP2,000 a month for six months, from July to December.
