The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) has distributed over P7.3 billion in cash aid to more than 1.4 million public utility vehicle (PUV) drivers across the country.
According to Assistant Secretary and DSWD spokesperson Irene Dumlao, the distribution of assistance continues for all registered and legitimate drivers included in the validated lists from Transport Network Companies (TNCs).
The official added that payouts for jeepney and tricycle drivers outside the National Capital Region (NCR) are ongoing, while PUV drivers in NCR have scheduled special payouts, including Transport Network Vehicle Service drivers, motorcycle taxi drivers, and service delivery riders.
This program is part of the Unified Package for Livelihoods, Industry, Food, and Transport framework, which aims to help the transport sector severely affected by rising oil prices and geopolitical tensions in the Middle East.
The cash aid was distributed through the DSWD's Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situation (AICS) program, which provides immediate financial support to PUV drivers whose livelihoods have been impacted.
