DSWD completes P5K cash aid payout to over 1.82 million PUV drivers, delivery riders

The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) said it has completed the distribution of P5,000 cash relief assistance to more than 1.82 million public utility vehicle (PUV) drivers and delivery riders affected by rising fuel prices.

DSWD Assistant Secretary and spokesperson Irene Dumlao said the payout concluded on June 30 after more than three months of implementation.

"June 30 marked the last day of our distribution of cash relief assistance to PUV drivers and delivery riders affected by the increase in fuel prices. From March 17 to June 30, we were able to provide P5,000 each to more than 1.8 million beneficiaries," Dumlao said on Wednesday.

Under the Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situations (AICS) program, the DSWD disbursed more than P9.139 billion in cash assistance during the payout period.

A total of 1,827,827 beneficiaries received the one-time aid, with tricycle drivers accounting for the largest share at 1,200,009 recipients.

They were followed by 314,530 delivery riders, 119,030 jeepney drivers, more than 104,000 motorcycle taxi drivers, and 89,394 transport network vehicle service (TNVS) drivers.

According to DSWD, some 2.4 million PUV drivers were expected to benefit from the cash assistance.

This was based on the list endorsed by the local government units, Transport Network Company, Private Express and Messengerial Delivery Service Sector, the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board, and the Department of Information and Communications Technology.

Dumlao explained that the discrepancy between the target and actual number of beneficiaries served "could be attributed to individuals who are no longer working as PUV drivers." —LDF, GMA News