Manila: The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) has released over PHP9.11 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.
According to Philippines News Agency, of the total amount released, PHP5.978 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. Additionally, a total of 118,691 public utility jeepney drivers received PHP593.455 million; 89,274 transport network vehicle service drivers were provided with PHP446.370 million; 314,390 private express and/or messenger delivery services drivers received PHP1.572 billion; and 104,319 motorcycle taxi drivers were granted PHP521.595 million in assistance.
Through the DSWD's Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situations program, each beneficiary received PHP5,000 in cash. Under the leadership of Secretary Rex Gatchalian, the DSWD 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.
'Alinsunod po sa direktiba ni Pangulong Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. na tiyaking mabilis, maayos at walang maiiwang kwalipikadong benepisyaryo sa paghahatid ng tulong ng pamahalaan, patuloy po na ginagawa ng DSWD ang lahat ng kinakailangang mga hakbang upang makumpleto ang payout operations sa buong bansa hanggang sa katapusan ng Hunyo (In line with the directive of President Ferdinand R. 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),' stated DSWD spokesperson Assistant Secretary Irene Dumlao in a news release.
She encouraged beneficiaries who have yet to claim their assistance to coordinate with their LGUs or transport organizations. She also noted that 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 geopolitical tensions in the Middle East.
