The government has launched the unified package for livelihoods:ime information on its response to the Middle East crisis. The initiative is a collaboration among the Department of Budget and Management, the Office of the Executive Secretary, the Presidential Communications Office, and the Department of Economy, Planning, and Development.
According to Philippines News Agency, in a Palace press briefing on Thursday, DBM Undersecretary Goddes Hope Libiran said the platform was developed following the directive of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. to ensure that Filipinos are informed of government interventions and have better access to assistance. Libiran said the microsite, which is now accessible through uplift.gov.ph, serves as a 'single source of truth' amid the spread of misinformation regarding the government's actions.
Libiran said the microsite is designed as a user-friendly dashboard that presents key government interventions across five core pillars: saving lives, ensuring enough fuel supply, assisting sectors in need, ensuring electricity supply, and keeping food prices within reach. Among the data features are repatriation efforts for overseas Filipino workers, assistance provided to transport workers, fuel supply levels, regional food price monitoring, and power supply outlooks.
Libiran said the platform also includes transparent budget utilization, updates and briefings, and direct links to implementing agencies to promote accountability and public engagement. 'So, to sum it up, the UPLIFT microsite takes everything this administration is doing to shield Filipinos from the effects of the Middle East crisis. It shows that we are present, we are mobilizing, we are here, united and under the leadership of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., we are moving forward together with every Filipino citizen in mind,' she said.
The microsite also features a feedback mechanism that allows citizens and civil society groups to submit concerns and inquiries, which are then forwarded to concerned government agencies for appropriate action. Libiran said the platform was developed internally by government personnel, with no additional cost to the public.
Meantime, Libiran said the estimated requirement for UPLIFT interventions is at least PHP155 billion based on preliminary figures. She, however, clarified that the amount is not yet final. 'It is important to note and to emphasize that the figure is not fixed,' she said. Libiran said the final funding requirements will depend on how much participating agencies can realign or repurpose from their existing budgets, in line with prudent fiscal management and in order to support targeted intervention addressing the Middle East crisis.
'So, further refinements to funding requirement are expected as agencies finalize their respective proposals as also reflected in the discussion and materials presented by the Department of Economy Planning and Development during the recent inter-agency briefing,' she said. Libiran said the microsite will remain operational, as long as the Middle East crisis persists, with continuous updates to reflect the latest government actions and data.
The UPLIFT Program was activated by President Marcos in response to the escalating tensions in the Middle East, which have affected global oil prices, supply chains, and the welfare of Filipinos, particularly those in vulnerable sectors.
