UPLIFT assistance gives unemployed Tandag resident reason to keep moving forward
By Nida Grace P. Barcena
For 53-year-old Eduardo Abarico of Purok Neptune, Barangay Telaje, Tandag City, receiving the first tranche of assistance under the UPLIFT Program provided much-needed financial relief as he continues to look for ways to make ends meet.
Abarico, who is currently unemployed, was among the beneficiaries who received the initial cash assistance during the payout on August 8 at the Vicente T. Pimentel Jr. Memorial Gymnasium in the city.
For someone without a regular source of income, the assistance offers practical support for his immediate needs. More than the financial help, however, Abarico said he is grateful for being identified as one of the program beneficiaries.
“Ang akong mensahi sa gobyerno, daku ug kinasing-kasing gayod ang akong pasalamat nga usa ako sa napili alang niining cash assistance. Libre na kami pamugas, sud-an na lang ang among huna-hunaon” (My message to the government is my heartfelt gratitude for being chosen as one of the beneficiaries of this cash assistance. At least, we have help for our rice, and we can focus on finding something for our viand,” Abarico said.
Abarico also expressed his appreciation to the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) and the Philippine Statistics Authority’s (PSA) Community-Based Monitoring System (CBMS) for helping identify qualified beneficiaries.
He likewise thanked President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. for the assistance, which he said provides much-needed support to people like him who are currently without work.
The program on UPLIFT, or the Unified Package for Livelihoods, Industry, Food, and Transport, is a government initiative that provides targeted assistance to vulnerable families and workers affected by economic pressures. It seeks to strengthen social protection while helping beneficiaries cope with immediate needs and move toward greater economic resilience.
In Tandag City, 2,100 qualified beneficiaries from 21 barangays are set to receive assistance under the program, according to the City Social Welfare and Development Office.
For Abarico, the first tranche is a modest but meaningful help as he continues to navigate life without a stable income.
His story reflects the experience of many families who face daily economic challenges, not simply needing assistance, but hoping for opportunities that can help them regain stability and become more self-reliant.
For now, Abarico considers the assistance a welcome relief and a reminder that government support can reach even those struggling to get by.
With the continued implementation of programs such as UPLIFT, the government aims to provide vulnerable sectors with both immediate support and opportunities to build a more secure future. (NGPB, PIA Surigao del Sur)
