The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) on Monday reaffirmed its commitment to delivering targeted social protection measures, particularly for public utility vehicle (PUV) drivers, following an Asian Development Bank (ADB) report citing the Philippines’ extensive policy responses to cushion the impact of oil price shocks.
According to the latest ADB analysis published last April 29, the Philippines was among the most active responders to the ongoing energy emergency brought about by the geopolitical tensions in the Middle East as the Marcos administration began implementing a wide range of interventions – including the cash relief assistance under the DSWD’s Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situation (AICS) program.
The ADB said that while fuel prices in the Philippines surged sharply, the Marcos government responded with a combination of fiscal and non-fiscal measures, including direct assistance to vulnerable groups.
In a news release, DSWD spokesperson Assistant Secretary Irene Dumlao underscored the department’s key role in these efforts through the provision of direct cash aid to affected sectors, particularly PUV drivers.
“Ang DSWD po, katuwang ng buong pamahalaang nasyonal, ay patuloy po sa pagbibigay ng agarang tulong sa mga sektor na naaapektuhan ng taas-presyo ng langis, lalong-lalo na po sa ating mga PUV drivers na araw-araw na bumabyahe para maghanapbuhay (The DSWD, along with the national government, continues to deliver immediate assistance to sectors being affected by oil price hike, especially our PUV drivers who are on the road daily to earn a living),” Dumlao said.
Through the AICS program, the DSWD has been rolling out cash aid for transport workers —including tricycle drivers, public utility jeepney (PUJ) drivers, motorcycle (MC) taxi riders, Private Express and/or Messengerial Delivery Service (PEMEDES) riders, and Transport Network Vehicle Service (TNVS) drivers— to help offset the rising fuel costs over the past weeks.
Dumlao said such targeted interventions are crucial in ensuring that limited government resources are maximized while delivering immediate relief.
“Masisiguro po natin na ang tulong ay napupunta sa tamang benepisyaryo. Sa pamamagitan ng AICS, natutulungan natin ang mga drivers na maibsan ang epekto ng mataas na presyo ng gasoline at maipagpatuloy ang kanilang kabuhayan (We can ensure that the assistance goes to the rightful beneficiaries. Through AICS, we are able to help the drivers by easing the effects of high fuel prices and let them continue their livelihood),” she said.
She added the department continues to coordinate with partner agencies to ensure an efficient and transparent delivery of assistance as part of the Unified Package for Livelihoods, Industry, Food, and Transport (UPLIFT) headed by President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.
While the ADB also warned of possible prolonged pressures on energy prices and inflation due to uncertainties in the global geopolitical climate, Dumlao assured that its social protection programs remain adaptive and responsive to evolving needs.
“Nakahanda po ang DSWD na palawigin at palakasin pa ang ating mga interventions upang maprotektahan ang kapakanan ng bawat pamilyang Pilipino (The DSWD is ready to further extend and enhance the interventions to protect the welfare of every Filipino family),” Dumlao said.
She reiterated that targeted assistance forms a critical component of the Marcos government’s broader strategy to cushion the impact of external shocks while sustaining livelihoods and economic activity. (PNA)
