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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider ₱8-B released to 1.6 million PUV drivers; DSWD says ₱30-B fund 'more than enough'

₱8-B released to 1.6 million PUV drivers; DSWD says ₱30-B fund 'more than enough'

Published May 27, 2026 10:18 am

At A Glance

  • Simultaneous distributions are ongoing to ensure completion of remaining payouts by May 31.
Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD)
Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD)
The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) said its cash assistance program for public utility vehicle (PUV) drivers has reached about 1.6 million beneficiaries nationwide, with nearly ₱8 billion already released as it completes final payouts scheduled across Metro Manila and nearby provinces.
DSWD Assistant Secretary and spokesperson Irene Dumlao said simultaneous distributions are ongoing to ensure all qualified drivers receive assistance before the end of May.
“We can say na (that) we have more than enough budget because we have earmarked ₱30 billion for the distribution of the cash relief assistance,” Dumlao said.
“Batay po sa pinakahuling report, nasa mahigit 1.5 or close to 1.6 million drivers nationwide yung na-assist na po ng DSWD (Based on the latest report, more than 1.5 or close to 1.6 million drivers nationwide have already been assisted by the DSWD),” she said.
About ₱8 billion has been disbursed so far.
Dumlao said simultaneous distributions are ongoing to ensure completion of remaining payouts by May 31.
On May 26 alone, 317 jeepney and tricycle drivers in Metro Manila received ₱5,000 each during payouts in Makati City, Pasay City, and San Juan City.
Separately, 2,325 service delivery riders from Metro Manila, Bulacan, Cavite, Rizal, and Laguna also received assistance at the DSWD Central Office in Quezon City.
DSWD has also lined up payout schedules for jeepney and tricycle drivers in Metro Manila on Thursday, May 28, and Friday, May 29.
On May 28, distributions will be held at Mercado de Lago in Taguig City, Sto. Niño Gym in Parañaque City, Mandaluyong City Hall, and the Marikina Sports Center. On May 29, payouts are scheduled at Sto. Niño Gym in Parañaque City, Malabon City Sports Complex, Casa de Polo Events Place in Valenzuela City, Las Piñas City Hall Compound, ASAC Covered Court in Manila, and the Muntinlupa Sports Center.
For service delivery riders from the National Capital Region, Bulacan, Cavite, Rizal, and Laguna, payouts are ongoing from May 26 to 29 at the DSWD Central Office.
Field offices are also conducting separate distributions for remaining qualified beneficiaries in other regions.
The cash aid is being released under the Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situation (AICS) program and the government’s Unified Package of Livelihood, Industry, Food, and Transport (UPLIFT) framework, which targets transport workers affected by rising fuel prices and broader economic pressures linked to global and domestic cost increases.

Related Tags

DSWD AICS PUV DRIVERS OIL CRISIS ASSISTANT SECRETARY IRENE DUMLAO
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