Negros island: The Department of Social Welfare and Development Field Office in the Negros Island Region (DSWD-NIR) has successfully distributed PHP169.85 million in cash relief assistance to 33,970 tricycle drivers across 19 cities in the region.

According to Philippines News Agency, the three-day payout event, which took place from Wednesday to Friday last week, reached 97.13 percent of its target beneficiaries, as shared by DSWD-NIR Public Information Officer John Paul Ocat on Monday. "The accomplishment rate was based on the 34,977 clean list of tricycle drivers who signed up for the cash assistance," Ocat explained.

Initially, the agency aimed to assist 45,000 drivers from various cities within the NIR. However, some applicants did not meet the required criteria or failed to submit the necessary documents. For those who missed the initial payout, the DSWD-NIR plans to offer a special session, provided the applicants qualify. The regional office is yet to determine the date and funding for this supplementary event.

In addition to the completed payouts, DSWD-NIR is gearing up for Phase 2 of the program, which will extend to tricycle drivers in different municipalities. Local government units are tasked with submitting their lists of eligible drivers to the regional office, with the next release scheduled for April 16.

Ocat emphasized that to qualify for the PHP5,000 subsidy, drivers must be part of a registered association. This financial aid is intended to support beneficiaries in managing the rising cost of commodities, which has been exacerbated by the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.