Ilocos region: The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) has disbursed over PHP153 million in cash aid to 30,601 tricycle drivers in the Ilocos Region as of April 20.
According to Philippines News Agency, DSWD regional information officer Kristine Sheila Amoroso stated in an interview on Monday that the beneficiaries include 6,500 recipients from three areas in Ilocos Norte, 3,198 from two localities in Ilocos Sur, 3,166 from two localities in La Union, and 17,737 from 10 localities of Pangasinan. Each beneficiary received PHP5,000 in cash aid, contributing to the total 367,000 tricycle driver-beneficiaries outside Metro Manila.
The distribution of cash aid to tricycle drivers outside Metro Manila commenced on April 8 and is scheduled for completion by April 30 this year. DSWD Secretary Rex Gatchalian previously announced that jeepney, taxi, bus, UV Express, and transport network vehicle services drivers are next in line to receive aid.
The cash relief is intended to mitigate the impact of oil price hikes attributed to the Middle East conflict. Randy Ortaleza, a tricycle driver from Binalonan town, expressed his gratitude upon receiving the aid, noting its significant impact on his ability to provide for his family. "Hirap talaga ang pamamasada ngayon. Malaking tulong po ito. Example itong isang libo, hindi namin kikitain ito ng isang araw. Kaya itong PHP5,000 marami ng mabibili (We struggle with tricycle driving as our livelihood. Hence, this is a big help. We cannot earn PHP1,000 in a day's labor. So with this PHP5,000 we can buy a lot with it)," he shared.
