The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) in Bicol has distributed PHP4.296 million in financial assistance to 2,148 qualified beneficiaries in Masbate City under the first tranche of the Unified Package in Livelihoods, Industry, Food, and Transport (UPLIFT) program.

Each beneficiary received PHP2,000 during the payout held from Aug. 12 to 15.

The beneficiaries were poor and near-poor families identified through the 2024 Community-Based Monitoring System (CBMS) of the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA).

DSWD-Bicol Director Norman Laurio, in a statement Tuesday, said the payout was conducted in response to President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s directive to assist families affected by rising prices of basic commodities and petroleum products amid the conflict in the Middle East.

Laurio said the DSWD has been monitoring the implementation of UPLIFT in line with the President’s directive.

The Masbate City payout marked the completion of the first-tranche distribution of UPLIFT assistance to qualified poor and near-poor families in the region.

The UPLIFT assistance is part of the government’s response to economic difficulties faced by vulnerable families as prices of basic commodities and fuel continue to rise.

Meanwhile, 3,998 indigent senior citizens in Camalig, Albay received PHP11.994 million in third-quarter social pension during a DSWD payout on Aug. 12 and 13.

Each beneficiary received PHP3,000, equivalent to PHP1,000 per month for three months, under the Social Pension for Indigent Senior Citizens (SPISC) program.

The Camalig payout brought to PHP11.994 million the total amount distributed for the third-quarter social pension of the 3,998 beneficiaries.

The beneficiaries may use the assistance for daily needs, including food, medicines and other basic expenses. (PNA)