Bacolod pilots nationwide digital UPLIFT payouts

By Glazyl M. Jopson

BACOLOD CITY — The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) launched its nationwide digital payout system for beneficiaries of the Unified Package for Livelihoods, Industry, Food and Transport (UPLIFT) program here on Tuesday.

DSWD Secretary Rex Gatchalian, joined by Mayor Greg Gasataya and Negros Occidental 5th District Rep. Emilio Bernardino Yulo, led the launch at the Bacolod City Government Center, as the city was selected as the pilot site for the agency’s transition from manual disbursement to direct digital payments through GCash.

Under the new system, UPLIFT beneficiaries can receive their financial assistance directly through their mobile wallets, reducing the need to queue at payout centers and helping minimize delays associated with traditional in-person distribution.

During the launch, 52 beneficiaries received their assistance through the digital payout system.

This followed the distribution of assistance to 2,245 eligible Bacolod residents under the program’s first tranche.

Group 2 beneficiaries under UPLIFT are set to receive PHP 2,000 monthly from July to December 2026.

Gatchalian said the initiative is in line with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s directive for government agencies to implement measures that make it easier for Filipinos to access assistance, particularly during challenging times.

He urged beneficiaries to share their experiences with others to help raise awareness about the convenience of the new system.

“You will no longer need to fall in line. You will now feel the relief, the convenience of this process. Just share your story with them,” Gatchalian said.

Gasataya, meanwhile, described the digital payout system as faster and more transparent, saying it helps ensure that assistance reaches its intended recipients.

He added that the initiative reflects the DSWD’s efforts to improve public service delivery through digitalization.

During a meeting with Gasataya, city officials, and barangay captains, Gatchalian thanked the city government for its role in facilitating the implementation of DSWD programs, including emergency cash assistance and transport assistance during previous calamities and emergencies.

He noted that while the DSWD maintains its presence during emergencies, local governments play a crucial role in providing the logistics and coordination needed to ensure that assistance reaches communities efficiently.

Gasataya thanked the DSWD for its continued support, particularly in expediting relief assistance for families affected by calamities and sectors affected by rising fuel costs.