DSWD Launches ₱5,000 Cash Relief for Transport Drivers in Davao Region
The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) is set to distribute ₱5,000 in cash relief assistance (CRA) to transport drivers across the Davao Region from April 8 to 10, 2026. This initiative, part of the Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situations (AICS) program, aims to provide urgent support to drivers and their families grappling with economic challenges.
Payout Schedule and Beneficiary Numbers
The distribution will commence outside Metro Manila on April 8, with specific sites and dates allocated for various cities. In the Island Garden City of Samal (Igacos), 1,791 beneficiaries will receive aid at the Igacos City Gym from April 8 to 10. Panabo City will serve 3,443 beneficiaries at the Panabo City Gym on the same dates, while Tagum City will accommodate 2,788 beneficiaries at the Tagum E-Park from April 8 to 9.
Davao City will provide assistance to 437 beneficiaries on April 8 at the Agdao Public Market. Digos City will handle the largest number, with 4,355 beneficiaries scheduled from April 8 to 10 at the Digos City Gym. Mati City will serve 1,856 beneficiaries on April 10 at the Upper Bless Covered Court in Sainz.
The DSWD emphasized in a Facebook post on April 6: "Para sa maayos at mabilis na pag-claim ng inyong DSWD cash relief assistance, siguraduhing tingnan ang mga nakatalagang payout sites sa inyong lugar (For a smooth and fast claiming of your DSWD cash relief assistance, make sure to check the designated payout sites in your area)."
Priority Groups and Program Expansion
Under the AICS program, the DSWD will prioritize tricycle drivers, followed by jeepney, taxi, UV Express, and TNVS drivers, including motorcycle taxi riders, delivery riders, and bus drivers. This targeted approach ensures that those most affected by economic pressures receive timely aid.
The government began distributing financial assistance in the National Capital Region on March 17 and plans to expand the rollout to other regions in the coming weeks, reflecting a broader effort to address nationwide needs.
Background on Rising Fuel Prices
Transport drivers continue to face significant hardships due to escalating fuel prices. Jeepney drivers have organized rallies and transport strikes, demanding fare increases and relief from ongoing oil price hikes that have severely impacted their incomes.
Global oil prices have surged amid conflicts involving the United States, Israel, and Iran, driving up local fuel costs. Major oil companies have announced substantial price increases:
- Jetti Petroleum will raise diesel prices by ₱18.60 per liter and gasoline by ₱5.40 per liter by April 10.
- Seaoil will increase diesel prices by ₱17.95, gasoline by ₱4.90, and kerosene by ₱8.10 on April 7.
- Petron has also announced hikes of ₱18.80 per liter for diesel, ₱4.90 for gasoline, and ₱8.10 for kerosene.
These price adjustments underscore the urgent need for the DSWD's cash relief program, providing a crucial lifeline to transport drivers struggling with reduced earnings and increased operational costs.
