Zamboanga city: The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) 9 has initiated the distribution of cash relief assistance to public utility jeepney (PUJ) drivers in the Zamboanga Peninsula. This move comes as a response to the rising fuel prices affecting the region.

According to Philippines News Agency, Ivan Eric Salvador, the DSWD-9 information officer, announced that the government has earmarked PHP13.5 million for this initiative. The financial assistance of PHP5,000 will be distributed to each of the 2,703 identified beneficiaries. The majority of these beneficiaries, numbering 2,416, are based in Zamboanga City, while others are from Dipolog City, Zamboanga del Norte (205); Ipil, Zamboanga Sibugay (40); Pagadian City, Zamboanga del Sur (35); and Liloy, Zamboanga del Norte (7).

The cash relief distribution is aimed at easing the financial burden on PUJ drivers who are experiencing significant challenges due to the sustained increase in petroleum prices. This has had a direct impact on their daily earnings and livelihoods, prompting the need for such assistance. Beneficiaries are encouraged to prioritize using the funds for essential needs.

In a related effort last month, the DSWD provided PHP60.4 million in cash aid to 12,094 tricycle drivers across the region. Concurrently, the local government extended financial assistance to 4,353 tricycle drivers in Zamboanga City, with Socorro Rojas, head of the City Social Welfare and Development Office (CSWDO), confirming the city's allocation of PHP4.3 million for this purpose. Each tricycle driver received PHP1,000, with distribution occurring in batches starting May 4.

This initiative is part of ongoing efforts by both the DSWD and local government to support drivers affected by the fuel crisis. Last month, the city government also distributed PHP4.7 million in cash aid to 2,373 PUJ drivers within the city.