DSWD to Launch P5,000 Financial Aid for PUV Drivers to Combat Fuel Price Hikes
The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) has announced a significant initiative to provide financial relief to public utility vehicle drivers affected by escalating fuel prices. Starting next week, the agency will distribute P5,000 in assistance to drivers across various transport sectors, including tricycles, jeepneys, taxis, buses, UV Express, and transportation network vehicle services (TNVS).
Nationwide Rollout Begins in Metro Manila
DSWD Secretary Rex Gatchalian confirmed during a press conference that the distribution will commence in Metro Manila on Tuesday, March 17, 2026, before expanding to other regions. The program represents a nationwide effort, with DSWD offices across the country prepared to conduct simultaneous payouts to ensure swift implementation.
"The President's order is nationwide, so we will kick off the distribution in Metro Manila followed by other regions," Gatchalian stated. "This will proceed quickly and occur in succession. The DSWD has nationwide offices that will conduct the simultaneous payouts."
Funding and Preparedness for Ongoing Crisis
The financial assistance will be sourced from the DSWD's Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situation program, which has a P60 billion allocation for the year. Gatchalian revealed that P30 billion has been specifically allocated and placed on standby to address potential prolonged effects of the Middle East crisis on fuel prices.
"The President's instruction is that these funds are at our disposal," he explained. "This means the National Government immediately allocated P30 billion so that if the crisis in the Middle East persists, the assistance will not be a one-time occurrence. The P30 billion is on standby and the DSWD is fully prepared."
Whole-of-Government Approach and Beneficiary Count
The initiative employs a comprehensive government strategy involving coordination with local mayors and other agencies. According to Department of Transportation Secretary Giovanni Lopez, over 360,000 drivers (excluding tricycle operators) will benefit from the program. Local government units are currently consolidating lists of qualified tricycle drivers to ensure comprehensive coverage.
"The mayors are prepared. This is a whole-of-government approach to ensure that the poor, the marginalized, and the vulnerable, especially our affected drivers, do not suffer further from the ongoing crisis in the Middle East," Gatchalian emphasized.
Broader Government Response and Future Plans
In related developments, the DSWD is coordinating with the Department of Agriculture to extend similar financial assistance to fishermen impacted by the economic situation. Meanwhile, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., speaking from New York, outlined broader strategies to address the fuel supply challenge.
"The National Government is searching for different regions to provide supply," President Marcos said. "We are talking to countries from which we do not normally buy oil, but hopefully we will reach an agreement to secure further supply from them."
The President acknowledged the uncertainty surrounding the duration of the current crisis, noting that "the real problem that everyone is dealing with is we don't know how long this will last." This comprehensive approach combines immediate financial relief with longer-term supply strategies to protect vulnerable sectors from economic pressures.
