The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) released on Wednesday about PHP47.8 million in cash assistance to tricycle drivers in seven cities of Eastern Visayas to help cushion the effects of the current oil price hikes.
DSWD Eastern Visayas Regional Director Grace Subong said that outside the regional capital, payouts have been held in the cities of Catbalogan and Calbayog in Samar; Borongan in Eastern Samar; Baybay and Ormoc in Leyte; and Maasin in Southern Leyte.
“The list of beneficiaries came from the local government units, as they know who are registered and allowed to operate. The distribution is organized and all beneficiaries are seated comfortably inside payout venues,” Subong told the Philippine News Agency.
Under the assistance, each driver receives PHP5,000 to help alleviate the impact of the big oil price increases resulting from the ongoing Middle East conflict.
Subong said distribution is more organized in the provinces since gaps encountered during the pilot distribution in Metro Manila have been addressed.
One of the beneficiaries, Ronald Avila, 45, is thankful for the cash aid from the national government, as this will help his family find alternative livelihood.
“This is a big help since my income has significantly dropped in the past few weeks. In the past, my daily expense for fuel was only PHP200, but now, it has gone up to more than PHP400 daily,” Avila said in a separate interview.
He said his income of PHP700, which dropped to PHP250 daily, is just enough to buy food for the day.
The DSWD’s cash relief assistance is provided under its Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situation program, which serves as a social safety net and temporary support system to help individuals and families recover from unexpected crises. (PNA)
