THE Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) has released more than P9.11 billion in financial aid to more than 1.8 million beneficiaries across various sectors of the public transportation industry nationwide under the government’s special cash relief assistance program.
Of the total amount released, P5.978 billion was distributed to 1.195 million tricycle drivers, representing 91.67 percent of the sector's target beneficiaries — the highest completion rate among all transport groups covered by the program.
A total of 118,691 public utility jeepney drivers received P593.455 million; 89,274 transport network vehicle service drivers received P446.370 million; 314,390 private express and/or messenger delivery service drivers received P1.572 billion; while 104,319 motorcycle taxi drivers received P521.595 million in assistance.
Through the DSWD’s Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situations program, each beneficiary received P5,000 in cash.
The DSWD under the leadership of Secretary Rex Gatchalian, continues to work closely with local government units (LGUs) and partner transport groups to complete the remaining payouts for public utility vehicle (PUV) drivers and riders by June 30.
“In line with the directive of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to ensure quick, orderly and no beneficiary would be left behind in the delivery of government assistance, the DSWD is continuously doing the necessary steps to complete payout operations throughout the country until the end of June,” DSWD spokesman Assistant Secretary Irene Dumlao said on Monday.
She encouraged beneficiaries who have yet to claim their assistance to coordinate with their LGUs or transport organizations.
She said the number of beneficiaries served reflects the Marcos government’s strong commitment to providing support to transport workers following the rise in gas prices due to the geopolitical tensions in the Middle East.
