Negros island: The Department of Social Welfare and Development in the Negros Island Region (DSWD-NIR) has distributed PHP77,035 million in cash assistance to 15,417 tricycle drivers across the region. An official announced the distribution completion on Friday.

According to Philippines News Agency, John Paul Ocat, the DSWD-NIR public information officer, stated that by 9 p.m. Thursday, the Cash Relief Assistance program had achieved a 92.39-percent accomplishment rate for tricycle drivers in various municipalities of Negros Oriental, Negros Occidental, and Siquijor. While the payouts were completed in Negros Oriental and Siquijor on Thursday, distribution continued in parts of Negros Occidental on Friday.

The areas in Negros Occidental where assistance distribution continued included Valladolid, Pontevedra, Hinigaran, Binalbagan, La Castellana, Hinoba-an, Cauayan, Don Salvador Benedicto, Ilog, Isabela, and Candoni. Each eligible tricycle driver is entitled to PHP5,000, provided all requirements are met.

Ocat mentioned the goal to reach 16,687 tricycle drivers in the region. Additionally, a special payout will be held for those who missed previous distributions, although a date has not been set. The financial aid aims to help tricycle drivers cope with rising fuel prices impacting the transportation industry.