The local government of Davao City has offered a program for tricycle drivers without franchises who are not qualified for the P5,000 cash relief assistance from the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD).

The City Social Welfare and Development Office (CSWDO) allocated up to 1,900 slots under its cash-for-work program for tricycle drivers who hold professional licenses but lack franchises.

In Maa Kanto Jail Motorized Tricycle Association, only about 16 units reportedly have active franchises while others have expired permits that have yet to be renewed.

As a result, many drivers failed to qualify for the DSWD cash aid, which requires both a valid franchise and a professional driver’s license.

Meanwhile, some drivers who have met all the requirements but have yet to receive the assistance await inclusion in a special payout.

“Naa tay 1,244 nga gi-endorse sa DSWD. This is for deduplication pa. So, after the deduplication, magclean list na na sya, amo napud na siya ipagawas for a scheduled payout in coordination with DSWD,” CSWDO Head, Julie Dayaday, said.

To assist t disqualified tricycle drivers, CSWDO offered the cash-for-work program with nearly 2,000 slots allocated for the first batch of beneficiaries from various tricycle operators and drivers association (TODA).

They are advised to proceed to CSWDO district offices for assessment.

“For 10 days ni siya nga trabaho and then sweldohan sila og P510 per day for 10 days. So, naa tay giidentify ani nga beneficiaries nga atong partner atong CAGRO. Ang ilang trabahuon kay sayon ragyud kaayo, mananum sila og gulay sa ilahang backyard or sa urban gardening,” Dayaday added.

However, in one TODA, only three members were selected for the program.

“Cash for work ang ilang gihatag pero selected lang pud kada toda. Dili pud pwede dili mi mubyahe, unsa may isustain sa among pamilya. Siguro buntag magtanum-tanum mi, ang orientation namo didto, buntag lang tanum mo. Mao na imong buhaton day1, day 2 hangtod sa day 10,” Maa Kanto Jail Motorized Tricycle Association President, Rassel Bahenting Sr., said.

The Davao Alliance of Tricycle Drivers is also awaiting further action from the Motorized Vehicles Franchising and Regulatory Division and the Davao City Council regarding their request for a fare increase.