THE government has generated P22.79 billion in savings, of which a huge chunk will be allocated for priority relief programs for sectors affected by the Middle East conflict and the effects of Super El Niño, Malacañang said.
In a press briefing, Palace Communications Office Undersecretary Claire Castro said P12.37 billion will be allocated to the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) for the Uplift (Unified Package for Livelihoods, Industry, Food and Transport) program, where beneficiaries receive a monthly subsidy to cushion the impact of rising fuel costs.
Castro said Uplift will focus on providing financial assistance, livelihood support and social services to families affected by various crises.
“This will mostly be given to those affected by the crisis in the Middle East,” she said.
The funds are still sufficient despite uncertainties brought about by the tensions in the Middle East.
Castro said portions of the savings would also be directed to other government agencies, such as the Department of Migrant Workers, the Department of Energy and the Department of Transportation, to strengthen their capacity to address the needs of overseas Filipino workers, commuters and other affected groups.
The DSWD said on Tuesday it will begin distributing the P12.37 billion to around 7.5 million households.
For Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) and Walang Gutom beneficiaries — which comprises around 3.5 million households — a one-time cash assistance of P2,000 will be given.
Poor and near-poor families and low-income workers — around 2.5 million households — will be given P2,000 monthly starting July to December.
