By Benjie Cuaresma
MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) has started distributing financial assistance to public utility vehicle (PUV) drivers affected by recent transport strikes and rising fuel prices.
As of March 30, a total of 256,040 drivers in Metro Manila have received ₱5,000 each under the government’s Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situations (AICS) program.
Beneficiaries include tricycle drivers, jeepney operators, delivery riders, motorcycle taxi drivers, and transport network vehicle service (TNVS) operators.
The DSWD said it is still validating additional applicants, with more than 170,000 unlisted drivers currently undergoing verification for possible inclusion in a second payout after Holy Week.
To qualify, applicants must have been affected by transport disruptions and fuel price increases, possess a valid driver’s license, and be registered with the Land Transportation Office (LTO).
Priority is given to members of accredited transport groups or cooperatives, especially those without alternative sources of income.
The DSWD, in coordination with the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB), continues to verify recipients to ensure that assistance is given only to qualified beneficiaries.
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