Bicol region: A total of 35,620 beneficiaries across the Bicol Region have received PHP71.24 million in cash assistance through the government's Unified Package for Livelihoods, Industry, Food and Transport (UPLIFT) program, according to the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD-5) regional office on Wednesday.

According to Philippines News Agency, DSWD-5 spokesperson Mary Gizelle Mesa stated that the program provides PHP2,000 in monthly assistance to qualified beneficiaries for six months, from July to December this year, to ease the financial burden on low-income households. "The beneficiaries were served from July 20 to 28. The manual payout began during the national rollout on July 20, while succeeding monthly payouts will be released digitally through GCash or Land Bank of the Philippines," she explained.

Among the provinces, Camarines Sur recorded the highest number of beneficiaries with 11,422 recipients receiving a total of PHP22.8 million. Sorsogon followed with 8,651 beneficiaries getting PHP17.3 million, while Albay had 7,946 beneficiaries with PHP15.9 million. Camarines Norte registered 3,282 beneficiaries who received PHP6.6 million, Masbate with 2,959 beneficiaries (PHP5.9 million), and Catanduanes logged 1,360 beneficiaries (PHP2.7 million).

For Cielo Aringo Bellen of Barangay 37, Legazpi City, the assistance comes at a crucial time. "This is a big help to me because I will use part of the PHP2,000 for my maintenance medication, while the remaining amount will help cover our daily household needs," Bellen said in an interview.

Lorna Agripa Zamora, a 52-year-old solo parent, expressed that the assistance will help shoulder her children's school expenses as classes resume. "I will use the PHP2,000 given by the government wisely, particularly for my children's important needs. Since college classes are about to start, I will use it first for their allowances and school uniforms," she said.

Meanwhile, Geraldine Posadas of Sorsogon mentioned that the cash assistance will contribute to their family's daily expenses. "This will help cover our household expenses as well as the needs of my child," Posadas said.

Mesa noted that the payout will continue under the guidance of DSWD-5 Director Norman Laurio until the target of more than 181,000 beneficiaries served is reached. The UPLIFT program forms part of the national government's efforts to provide immediate financial support to vulnerable sectors while helping families cope with rising living costs.