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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider DSWD to roll out cash aid distribution for PUV drivers outside Metro Manila after Holy Week

DSWD to roll out cash aid distribution for PUV drivers outside Metro Manila after Holy Week

Published Mar 23, 2026 08:46 am
The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) is set to roll out its cash relief assistance (CRA) for public utility vehicle (PUV) drivers outside the National Capital Region (NCR) after Holy Week to help cushion the impact of rising fuel prices on their livelihood.
DSWD Assistant Secretary and spokesperson Irene Dumlao said preparations are underway for the next phase of implementation while payouts continue in Metro Manila.
“Our target is to begin right after Holy Week. At present, we still do not have the complete number of drivers across different parts of the country. Once we have that data, we can start determining how many days will be needed to complete the distribution,” she said in Filipino.
The DSWD said payouts for other PUV drivers in the NCR will continue starting on Tuesday, March 24, following the initial distribution to tricycle drivers last week.
It said that 27,635 Transport Network Vehicle Service (TNVS) drivers are scheduled to receive assistance on Tuesday, followed by around 21,700 public utility jeepney drivers on Wednesday, March 25.
Delivery riders, estimated at 137,700, will receive aid on Thursday and Friday, March 26 and 27, while about 27,600 motorcycle taxi drivers are set to receive assistance on Saturday, March 28.
“President Marcos Jr. wants all our drivers facing difficulties due to rising petroleum prices to be assisted,” Dumlao said.
The DSWD said the P5,000 cash aid is intended to help drivers purchase gasoline and diesel and support their families’ basic needs amid continued increases in fuel prices.
To ensure orderly distribution, the agency said it is implementing strict verification measures, including requiring the physical presence of beneficiaries and validating their identities to prevent duplication.
DSWD added that other sectors are being assisted by partner agencies, with taxi drivers covered by the Department of Transportation, and farmers and fisherfolk supported by the Department of Agriculture, as part of a whole-of-government response.
It also urged drivers to coordinate with their local government units and the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board to ensure inclusion in the official list of beneficiaries, and to follow their assigned schedules and bring valid identification when claiming the assistance.
The cash aid program aims to ease the financial burden of transport workers affected by rising fuel prices linked to the ongoing geopolitical tensions in the Middle East.

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DSWD CASH AID PUV DRIVERS MIDDLE EAST
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