DSWD concludes ₱5,000 cash aid payouts to 1.8 million PUV drivers, riders
At A Glance
- DSWD said it disbursed ₱9.139 billion under its Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situation (AICS) program.
- A total of 1,827,827 beneficiaries received the cash aid during the payout period from March 17 to June 30.
(Mark Balmores/Manila Bulletin file photo)
The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) has concluded its nationwide distribution of ₱5,000 cash assistance to public utility vehicle (PUV) drivers and delivery riders affected by rising fuel prices.
In a statement on Wednesday, July 1, DSWD Assistant Secretary and spokesperson Irene Dumlao said a total of 1,827,827 beneficiaries received the cash aid during the payout period from March 17 to June 30.
DSWD said it disbursed ₱9.139 billion under its Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situation (AICS) program.
Tricycle drivers accounted for the largest number of beneficiaries at 1,200,009, followed by 314,530 delivery riders, 119,030 jeepney drivers, 104,000 motorcycle taxi drivers, and 89,394 transport network vehicle service (TNVS) drivers.
DSWD had earlier projected that around 2.4 million PUV drivers and riders would qualify for the assistance based on beneficiary lists endorsed by local government units, transport network companies, the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board, the Department of Information and Communications Technology, and the Private Express and Messengerial Delivery Service Sector.
Dumlao said the gap between the projected and actual number of beneficiaries may be due to some individuals no longer working as PUV drivers or no longer being in the country.
“Halos tatlong buwan at kalahati ring tumakbo ang ating nationwide payouts. Kung matatandaan ninyo, marami ring special payouts ang hinanda ng DSWD para ma-accommodate yung mga hindi nakasama sa unang listahan, yung mga hindi nakapunta sa schedule nila (The nationwide payouts ran for nearly three and a half months. As you may recall, the DSWD also conducted several special payout schedules to accommodate those who were not included in the initial list or were unable to attend their assigned schedule),” she said.