DAVAO — More than 107,000 vulnerable residents across the Davao Region have received direct financial aid under the government's Unified Package for Livelihood, Industry, Food, and Transport (UPLIFT) program. The initiative, spearheaded by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., aims to cushion poor and near-poor families from economic shifts.
A Program Built on Precise Targeting
The UPLIFT program uses a data-driven approach to identify its beneficiaries. DSWD Social Welfare Officer IV Berlita Silagan explained that Group 2 and Group 3 beneficiaries are selected using the Philippine Statistics Authority's 2024 Community-Based Monitoring System. This ensures that assistance reaches households genuinely in need.
Group 2 covers poor and near-poor families who often fall outside regular programs like 4Ps. Group 3 consists of low-income SSS contributors earning a monthly salary credit of P20,000 or below. The careful segmentation allows the government to bridge critical gaps in social protection.
Regional Reach and Impact
As of August 15, 2026, the program has served 107,419 individuals across the region. For Group 2, a total of 57,947 beneficiaries have received aid. The distribution spans all Davao provinces, with Davao Occidental serving the highest number at 12,839.
Davao City has 3,324 Group 2 beneficiaries, while Davao de Oro reports 10,145. Davao del Norte serves 9,374, Davao del Sur has 11,089, and Davao Oriental supports 11,176. Meanwhile, 49,472 formal-sector workers under Group 3 have also benefited from the initiative.
Empowering Workers and Families
The UPLIFT program recognizes that vulnerability extends beyond the poorest households. Many near-poor families and minimum-wage workers face similar risks of falling into poverty. By including them, the program creates a broader safety net for the region's workforce.
The assistance structure is designed for both immediate relief and longer-term security. Beneficiaries receive P2,000 in cash on-site during payout. The remaining P10,000 is credited directly to their bank accounts, promoting financial inclusion and digital literacy.
Ensuring a Smooth Distribution Process
The DSWD-XI works closely with City Social Welfare and Development Offices to guide beneficiaries. Recipients must present their National ID or any government-issued ID during the payout. This verification process protects the program's integrity and prevents fraud.
The collaborative approach between national and local agencies ensures efficient service delivery. Beneficiaries are informed well in advance about schedules and requirements. This minimizes confusion and ensures that aid reaches them promptly.
A Commitment to Inclusive Growth
The UPLIFT program represents a significant investment in human capital and community resilience. It demonstrates the government's commitment to inclusive growth that leaves no one behind. For Davao Region, it is a vital tool in the fight against poverty and economic vulnerability.
The initiative builds on existing social protection systems while expanding coverage. It provides immediate relief while also encouraging savings and financial planning. The program is a testament to the power of evidence-based policy in transforming lives.
