Manila: As instructed by President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) will begin distributing PHP5,000 in cash assistance to approximately 139,000 tricycle drivers in the National Capital Region (NCR) on Tuesday.
According to Philippines News Agency, DSWD Secretary Rex Gatchalian announced during a Monday press conference that the simultaneous payout will occur across 30 designated sites in 17 local government units of Metro Manila, commencing at 6 a.m. The payout will be carried out in phases over three days, with local government units managing the collection of basic information and scheduling for tricycle drivers within their areas.
Gatchalian emphasized the importance of a swift process, stating, "We don't want to delay their trips, so this will be fast. They have already submitted their basic information, and we are duplicating these, so tomorrow, it's only the payout. They come in, we give them the PHP5,000, they go back to the line."
He further advised tricycle drivers to adhere to their schedules to ensure their names appear on the list of beneficiaries. For additional scheduling details, drivers should coordinate with their respective LGUs. Gatchalian noted that drivers are required to present the original and one photocopy of their driver's license as the sole documentation necessary.
Help desks will be available at all payout sites to provide assistance. Gatchalian reiterated that the initiative aligns with the President's directive to support drivers and ensure a streamlined process.
The specified payout sites include locations in Caloocan, Las Pi±as, Makati, Malabon, Mandaluyong, Manila, Marikina, Muntinlupa, Navotas, Para±aque, Pasay, Pasig, Pateros, Quezon City, San Juan, Taguig, and Valenzuela. Following this rollout in Metro Manila, the DSWD intends to expand the program nationwide.
Additionally, Gatchalian mentioned that the DSWD plans to initiate financial aid distribution to jeepney drivers on March 23. Preparations are also underway for financial assistance to at least 34,000 Transportation Network Vehicle Service (TNVS) drivers, 33,000 motorcycle taxi drivers, and 40,000 delivery riders.
The DSWD clarified that the cash aid program is independent of the fuel subsidy currently being distributed by the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board.
