DSWD releases PHP 4.14 million UPLIFT aid in Bacolod

BACOLOD CITY — The Department of Social Welfare and Development-Negros Island Region (DSWD-NIR) distributed PHP 4.14 million in cash assistance to 2,070 beneficiaries during a three-day payout under its Unified Package for Livelihoods, Industry, Food, and Transport (UPLIFT) program last week.

About 3,000 people were initially targeted for the program, but only 2,070 qualified beneficiaries received PHP 2,000 each during the payout at SM City Bacolod from Aug. 10–12, in coordination with the local government.

The agency reported serving 624 beneficiaries on Aug. 10, 643 on Aug. 11, and 805 on Aug. 12, although those daily figures total 2,072, two more than the stated overall total of 2,070.

For beneficiaries who were unable to personally go to the payout venue, DSWD personnel delivered the assistance directly to their homes.

Recognizing the beneficiaries’ circumstances, the agency conducted a door-to-door operation to facilitate the delivery of their UPLIFT cash assistance.

“Because delivering assistance is not only about reaching a payout venue—it is about reaching the people who need it most,” the DSWD-NIR stated.

The initiative ensured that qualified beneficiaries were not left behind, particularly those facing significant mobility challenges.

By bringing assistance closer to beneficiaries’ homes, the agency said it continues to promote accessible, responsive, and compassionate social protection services.

UPLIFT was established under Executive Order No. 110 to help mitigate the effects of the Middle East conflict and provide support to vulnerable sectors, including poor, near-poor, and low-income households.