Philippine Government to Aid 7.5 Million Households Hit by Middle East Crisis

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. announced on July 16 that the government will provide financial aid to 7.5 million households affected by the Middle East crisis. The assistance will reach around 37.5 million Filipinos through an expansion of the Unified Package for Livelihoods, Industry, Food, and Transport Program.

The program targets three groups. Some 3.5 million beneficiaries of the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program and Walang Gutom Program will receive a one-time payment of up to P2,000. Another 2.5 million poor and near-poor households identified in the 2024 Community-Based Monitoring System will receive monthly P2,000 payments from July through December.

A further 1.5 million low-income workers and their families validated by the Social Security System will receive the same monthly amount over the same period. The Department of Social Welfare and Development will lead distribution and will use digital channels to deliver the funds. On July 15 the Department of Budget and Management released P12.375 billion for the payouts.

The amount came from government savings realized after the implementation of economic measures under National Budget Circular Nos. 602 and 603. Marcos declared a state of national energy emergency in March.

The government had earlier provided fuel subsidies to transport workers, farmers, and fisherfolk after the United States-Israel war on Iran began on February 28 and Iran closed the Strait of Hormuz. Pump prices remain elevated despite some recent easing in Dubai crude. On July 7 National Statistician Claire Dennis Mapa said the conflict would remain a major factor in overall inflation.