MORE than 45,000 transport network company (TNC) drivers have received their P5,000 cash relief in the latest round of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) special payout operations.
DSWD Secretary Rex Gatchalian said the agency served a total of 45,522 beneficiaries from Grab, Joyride, and inDrive in Metro Manila, with total disbursements reaching P227.61 million under the Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situation (AICS) program.
DSWD-Crisis Intervention Program (CIP) latest payout report indicates that Grab recorded the highest number of served beneficiaries with 37,344 drivers, including Move It riders, receiving cash aid amounting to P186.72 million.
Meanwhile, the agency has served 4,300 JoyRide beneficiaries with total disbursements of P21.50 million, while 3,878 inDrive beneficiaries received P19.39 million, according to Assistant Secretary Irene Dumlao, who also serves as DSWD’s spokesman.
The highest single-day payout was recorded on Saturday, May 16, with 8,172 beneficiaries receiving assistance totaling P40.89 million.
Dumlao said the department’s special payout operations continue to proceed smoothly through close coordination with participating TNCs.
“Our payout operations become more efficient, faster, and better organized because we conduct them on a per-company basis. Our coordination with TNCs has also greatly helped speed up verification and prevent overcrowding at payout sites,” Dumlao pointed out.
Top DSWD officials have also lauded participating companies for securing accessible payout venues for their drivers and riders.
They reminded beneficiaries that payout operations will continue next week, and urged them to monitor announcements from their respective companies regularly.
The special payout operation was part of the national government’s ongoing interventions under the Unified Package for Livelihoods, Industry, Food, and Transport (Uplift) framework, in line with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.'s directive to assist sectors affected by rising fuel prices and economic pressures. ARLIE CALALO
