Manila, July 16 -- President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Thursday announced an expanded assistance package under the government's Unified Package for Livelihood, Industry, Food and Transport (UPLIFT) program, extending targeted cash aid to 7.5 million households, or about 37.5 million Filipinos, to cushion the impact of the continuing global oil supply disruption.

In a recorded message, Marcos said the additional intervention comes as tensions between the United States and Iran in the Middle East continue to threaten global oil supply, driving up fuel costs and prices of basic goods.

Under the expanded UPLIFT Assistance, 3.5 million beneficiaries of the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) and Walang Gutom Program will receive a on...