Manila: The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) is set to begin the distribution of PHP5,000 in cash aid to tricycle drivers in 39 designated payout centers in Metro Manila on March 17 to help them cope with rising oil prices. In a radio interview on Thursday, DSWD Secretary Rex Gatchalian said the initial rollout will prioritize tricycle drivers, as their beneficiary lists have already been validated and are readily available through local government units (LGUs).
According to Philippines News Agency, the payout will be conducted over three days to ensure that public transportation remains unhampered while tricycle drivers claim their cash aid. Local government units will organize the scheduling of driver organizations by batches to avoid long queues and ensure continuous transport services during the cash assistance distribution.
Gatchalian emphasized that the cash assistance will be administered directly at the payout sites, enabling drivers to promptly return to work after receiving their subsidy. He also outlined plans to extend the aid to other public utility vehicle (PUV) drivers, including those operating jeepneys, buses, and transport network vehicle service (TNVS) units, as part of a nationwide effort to assist all affected PUV drivers. The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) is currently finalizing the master list for these sectors to ensure comprehensive coverage.
All eligible drivers across different transport sectors are set to receive an identical amount of PHP5,000. While the current focus is on immediate relief, Gatchalian assured the public that further assistance is not ruled out. He confirmed that the DSWD has sufficient funds under the Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situation (AICS) program to cover these cash subsidies.
Meanwhile, Director Edwin Morata of the DSWD's Crisis Intervention Program (CIP) stated that the department will streamline the process for the distribution of cash assistance to PUV drivers. The department plans to amend the AICS guidelines to simplify the procedure, requiring only certifications from local social welfare offices instead of interviews.
Tricycle drivers were prioritized in this initial phase because their beneficiary lists are already validated and available through LGUs. Morata assured that the assistance will eventually expand to other PUV groups, including jeepney, taxi, bus, and TNVS drivers, once coordination with relevant government transportation agencies is complete.
The DSWD is committed to ensuring a smooth, dignified, and efficient payout process for all beneficiaries, with the financial assistance being directly released to them without intermediaries.
