Manila: The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) has distributed approximately PHP51.15 million in cash relief assistance to 10,229 Transport Network Vehicle Service (TNVS) and motorcycle (MC) taxi drivers from Grab and Move It as of May 12.

According to Philippines News Agency, the special payouts for public utility vehicle (PUV) drivers are organized per Transport Network Companies (TNCs), with DSWD personnel acting as payout masters. These efforts are part of the government's Unified Package of Livelihood, Industry, Food, and Transport (UPLIFT) framework, which aims to address the challenges faced by the transport sector amid rising oil prices due to tensions in the Middle East.

Following two days of special payouts commencing May 11, DSWD provided PHP5,000 in cash assistance to 2,388 TNVS drivers, 5,961 delivery service riders, and 1,880 MC taxi riders. This distribution accounts for 25.57 percent of the total targeted beneficiaries.

Assistant Secretary Irene Dumlao emphasized in a radio interview that the distribution aligns with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.'s directives to ensure that drivers receive the necessary support to address the ongoing energy crisis. She also assured beneficiaries that previous payout issues, such as errors in drivers' information and identification of suitable venues, have been resolved in coordination with the TNCs.

Since initiating cash relief assistance to the transport sector in March, DSWD has assisted over 1.28 million drivers nationwide, disbursing more than PHP6.4 billion under the Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situation program.

In the collaborative meetings, it was also agreed that TNCs are responsible for informing their drivers about payout schedules and venues, while DSWD will assist in information dissemination.