Social Welfare Secretary Rex Gatchalian confirmed on Friday that the distribution of fuel subsidies for public utility vehicle (PUV) drivers in the provinces will begin after Holy Week.
Speaking at a media forum, Gatchalian said there are an estimated 750,000 tricycle drivers operating and residing in various provinces.
“Alinsunod sa direktiba ng ating pangulo, Pangulong Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., sinimulan na ng DSWD sa mabilis na panahon ang pag-distribute ng tulong-pinansyal para sa ating mga public utility vehicle (PUV) drivers,” Gatchalian said.
“Pagkatapos po ng Holy Week, magtutungo na ho tayo sa mga lugar sa labas ng Metro Manila—sa mga probinsya. Ang estimate pa ho natin doon, paunang figures na tricycle drivers umaabot sila ng 750,000 na mga tricycle drivers or operator/driver,” he added.
The secretary reported that 216,267 drivers in Metro Manila have already received subsidies totaling around ₱1.5 billion.
Gatchalian emphasized that extending assistance to the transport sector is crucial, given its role in the country’s economy.
“So, ang layunin ng programa na ‘to, tulad ng direktiba ng ating Pangulo, ay matulungan natin ‘yong ating mga transport sector dahil alam natin kung gaano sila ka-vital sa ating ekonomiya,” he said.
“Alam natin na sila ‘yong medyo talagang in the frontline nitong effects ng pagtaas ng presyo ng produktong petrolyo, kaya inuuna natin sila,” he added.
He also assured that efforts are being made to provide financial assistance to drivers who were not included in the lists submitted by their respective local government units.