Jeepney drivers in Region 1 will receive P5,000 in cash relief assistance from the government, the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) said.

The agency said the assistance, which was given to tricycle drivers initially, will also be extended to jeepney drivers in the region to help ease the impact of rising fuel costs and reduced income.

While consecutive oil price rollbacks have slightly improved earnings for drivers in Pangasinan, many said the relief remains insufficient, especially for those supporting their families on daily driving income alone.

DSWD Field Office 1 said it is currently completing the distribution of aid to tricycle drivers before moving to jeepney drivers.

“Nagsimula na rin kaming makipag-ugnayan sa LTFRB para sa listahan ng drivers ng iba’t ibang modes ng public transport na maari nating bigyan ng cash relief assistance,” Marie Angela Gopalan, director of DSWD Field Office 1, said.

Some drivers welcomed the announcement but raised concerns over who would qualify and when the funds would be released.

“Sana lahat mabigyan kasi sinasabi pipiliin lang daw hindi raw lahat kasi hindi naman lahat qualified,” Rodel Vallejos, a jeepney driver, said.

“Malaking tulong nga ‘yan pero ang tanong kailan ibibigay?” Ricardo Mariano, another jeepney driver, added.

Gopalan said the assistance would go directly to drivers and not to jeepney operators.

“Sa ngayon ang unang nakakaramdam ng sakit ay ang drivers, ‘yung operators nakakakuha pa ng income, ‘yung drivers significantly affected ang kanilang kita,” she said.

The DSWD said it is coordinating with the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board for the official list of eligible beneficiaries.