Ilocos region: The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Ilocos Region is preparing the masterlist of public utility vehicle (PUV) drivers who will receive cash aid as fuel subsidy in the region aimed at easing the impact of rising oil prices.

According to Philippines News Agency, DSWD Ilocos Region director Marie Angela Gopalan stated that interviews with potential beneficiaries are planned, and a message has already been sent to the Municipal Social Welfare and Development Office regarding the circular. There is an initiative to coordinate with other agencies to expedite the process of identifying the beneficiaries.

Gopalan mentioned that the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board, the Department of Transportation, and the local government units would furnish a list of beneficiaries. This list will undergo a deduplication process to ensure that those who have already claimed relief cash assistance are not included again, followed by the payout.

The beneficiaries include drivers of tricycles, jeepneys, taxis, buses, UV Express, and transport network vehicle services. Gopalan emphasized the necessity for coordination due to the wide coverage of the cash assistance.

The cash subsidies, each worth PHP5,000, will be sourced from the Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situation Program of the DSWD. Malaca±ang announced that the government will expand its fuel subsidy program by April to assist nearly 400,000 PUV drivers in coping with rising oil prices amid tensions in the Middle East. This initiative follows the successful rollout of initial payouts benefiting tricycle drivers in Metro Manila.