Iloilo city: The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) has distributed PHP5,000 in cash relief assistance to 51,078 tricycle drivers in Western Visayas. This financial aid, intended to support drivers amid rising fuel costs linked to Middle Eastern tensions, is part of the Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situation program.

According to Philippines News Agency, DSWD's information officer for Western Visayas, Therese Fely Legaste, reported a total of 53,868 tricycle drivers are eligible for the aid. However, around 2,700 drivers have yet to claim their relief amid a special payout intended for those who missed the initial distribution. DSWD is coordinating with local government units to determine whether these drivers will claim their assistance or have justifiable reasons for not doing so.

The CRA distribution, including the special payout, was scheduled for completion by April 30. Legaste speculated that some qualified recipients might have moved elsewhere for work before the distribution began.

In addition to supporting tricycle drivers, the DSWD plans to disburse CRA to 6,242 qualified public utility jeepney drivers between May 11 and May 15. The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board, the regulatory body for PUJs, provided the list of beneficiaries.