Cagayan de oro: The Department of Social Welfare and Development in Northern Mindanao (DSWD-10) has commenced a three-day distribution of cash aid under the Unified Package for Livelihoods, Industry, Food, and Transport (UPLIFT) program to 6,854 residents of the city.

According to Philippines News Agency, DSWD-10 Information Officer Roshiel Galia explained that the beneficiaries have been divided into three groups, each eligible to receive up to PHP2,000 monthly until December. Galia specified that the current recipients belong to Group 2, comprising residents assessed as poor and near-poor who are not enrolled in existing DSWD programs such as the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) or the Walang Gutom Program.

Galia further elaborated that Group 1 consists of 4Ps members, who will receive additional payouts directly to their cash cards along with food redemption schedules. Meanwhile, Group 3 comprises low-income earners identified via the Community-Based Monitoring System and Social Security System database.

The finalization of the payout will occur once the cross-matching of the final list is completed, Galia stated. The UPLIFT program is a government initiative designed to provide monthly financial assistance to help vulnerable families manage increasing energy and food costs.