The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) has distributed more than ₱105 million in cash relief assistance (CRA) to over 21,000 tricycle drivers across several regions, as part of its continuing support program for transport workers affected by rising fuel costs.
In a statement on Friday, the agency said beneficiaries came from the Ilocos Region, Central Luzon, CALABARZON, Negros Island Region (NIR), Davao Region, and SOCCSKSARGEN.
Additional payout operations are set to roll out in other areas outside Metro Manila in the coming weeks.
“Sa mga susunod na araw, magsisimula na rin po ang mga DSWD Field Offices (FOs) sa regional rollout ng CRA para naman sa mga trike drivers sa iba’t ibang mga munisipalidad sa buong bansa,” said Social Welfare spokesperson and Assistant Secretary Irene Dumlao.
Each tricycle driver received ₱5,000 in financial assistance, which the agency said is intended to help cushion the impact of increasing fuel prices amid global geopolitical tensions, including the ongoing US-Israel-Iran conflict.
Earlier, the DSWD also announced a separate round of cash relief distribution for public utility vehicle (PUV) drivers in Metro Manila who missed the initial schedule. The program likewise covers transport network vehicle service (TNVS) drivers, motorcycle taxi riders, and delivery riders who were unable to claim earlier payouts.
The agency said it aims to complete the distribution for remaining beneficiaries in Metro Manila, along with tricycle drivers in other regions, within April.