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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider DSWD assures enough funds for PUV drivers' cash relief program

DSWD assures enough funds for PUV drivers' cash relief program

Published Mar 24, 2026 04:00 pm
Each TNVS driver received ₱5,000 in cash assistance from the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) in Taguig City on Tuesday, March 24, as part of the government’s efforts to ease the impact of rising fuel prices on the transport sector. (John Louie Abrina/Manila Bulletin)
Each TNVS driver received ₱5,000 in cash assistance from the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) in Taguig City on Tuesday, March 24, as part of the government’s efforts to ease the impact of rising fuel prices on the transport sector. (John Louie Abrina/Manila Bulletin)
The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) on Tuesday, March 24 reassured public utility vehicle (PUV) drivers that its cash relief assistance (CRA) program has enough funds to continue, amid false reports that the agency had run out of money.
“There is no truth to the claim that DSWD has no funds for this activity,” Secretary Rex Gatchalian said as the agency handed out ₱5,000 per Transport Network Vehicle Service (TNVS) driver in Metro Manila.
The first-day payout this week covered 27,181 TNVS drivers.
Distribution in the following days will include 23,652 public utility jeepney drivers (March 25), 137,799 delivery service riders (March 26–27), and 27,635 motorcycle taxi drivers (March 28), all receiving the same cash aid.
Gatchalian advised TNVS drivers whose names do not appear on the published lists not to go to payout centers, but instead coordinate with their respective transport network companies for validation and inclusion in future payouts.
Special payout schedules will also be arranged for so-called “tempo drivers,” identified as active drivers without valid LTFRB franchises.
The CRA program is under the DSWD’s Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situation (AICS) program.
The department had earlier reported that the AICS program has over ₱60 billion in available funds, ensuring continued support for transport workers.
DSWD started the program in Metro Manila on March 17 with 98,000 tricycle drivers receiving ₱5,000 each.
After Holy Week, the department will expand the program nationwide to reach around 587,000 tricycle drivers.
The initiative aims to help transport workers cope with rising fuel costs amid ongoing geopolitical tensions in the Middle East.

Related Tags

DSWD CASH AID OIL CRISIS MIDDLE EAST AICS
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