Around 1.5 million low-income workers and their families will receive an additional P2,000 monthly cash assistance from July to December 2026 under the expanded Unified Package for Livelihood, Industry, Food and Transport (UPLIFT) program, Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Secretary Rex Gatchalian said on Friday, July 17.

During an interview on DZRH's Dos Por Dos, Gatchalian explained that the beneficiaries, classified under Group 3 of the program, are low-income workers with verified Social Security System (SSS) records showing monthly earnings of P20,000 or below but who continue to face financial difficulties.

“1.5 million na low-wage earners, ito naman ‘yung kumikita sa talaan ng SSS ng ₱20,000 pababa pero hirap pa rin… Kumuha tayo ng 1.5 million na ganitong klaseng kababayan natin,” Gatchalian.

Under the program, qualified workers under Group 3 will receive P2,000 per month for six months, covering the period from July to December 2026.

Gatchalian said Group 3, along with Group 2, composed of 2.5 million near-poor households or families living close to the poverty threshold, represents a significant portion of the beneficiaries of the expanded UPLIFT Assistance program.

The initiative aims to provide additional financial support to vulnerable families and workers amid the continuing effects of the global oil price crisis.

Watch the full interview below.