CEBU — At least 3,000 low-income families in this northern Cebu municipality received a welcome financial boost on August 3, 2026, at the Malingin Covered Court. The P2,000 cash distribution is part of the government’s broader effort to shield the most vulnerable from rising costs.
A Lifeline for Families Outside the Safety Net
Each beneficiary household received the one‑time assistance through the Unified Package for Livelihoods, Industry, Food, and Transport, or UPLIFT. The program specifically targets families who are not enrolled in other DSWD social protection initiatives. Many recipients had previously fallen through the cracks of the system.
The Municipal Social Welfare and Development Office helped facilitate the smooth payout. Local officials noted that the aid arrives at a critical time, when fuel and food prices continue to strain household budgets. The distribution was orderly, with families arriving early and leaving with cash in hand.
Data-Driven Selection Ensures Fairness
Beneficiaries were identified using the 2024 Community‑Based Monitoring System survey conducted by the Philippine Statistics Authority. The DSWD applied specific poverty thresholds to the database to determine which households qualified as “near poor to poor.” This method ensures that assistance reaches those who need it most.
The targeted approach excluded families already receiving support through the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program, Modified Conditional Cash Transfer, Unconditional Cash Transfer, or Social Pension. By focusing on previously uncovered households, the program fills critical gaps in the social welfare net. The use of verifiable data also reduces the risk of political favoritism.
UPLIFT: A Response to an Energy Emergency
The UPLIFT program was created under Executive Order No. 110, which declared a state of national energy emergency. The government allocated P55 billion nationwide to cushion vulnerable groups from inflation and supply chain disruptions. The goal is to prevent poverty from deepening as external shocks ripple through the economy.
In Central Visayas alone, over 102,000 families are expected to receive similar cash aid. The DSWD Field Office VII has been coordinating with local government units to expedite distributions. The Daanbantayan payout is one of many simultaneous releases across the region, reflecting a determined push to deliver relief before the situation worsens.
What Unserved Residents Should Do
Some residents who believe they qualify but were not included in the list have raised concerns. The DSWD clarified that participation in the CBMS survey does not automatically guarantee aid. However, those who feel they meet the criteria are urged to visit the Local Civil Registrar.
The LCR will forward their details to the PSA for verification, which may lead to inclusion in future payouts. Community workers have been stationed at the municipal hall to guide residents through the process. The government has promised that no eligible family will be permanently excluded.
A Community Uplifted
For the 3,000 recipients, the P2,000 means an extra week of groceries, a school supply for a child, or a fare to seek work in the city. The amount may be modest, but it signals that the government sees their struggle. As the UPLIFT program rolls out further, more communities across Cebu can expect similar support.
