Iloilo city: The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) is set to implement the pilot release of cash relief assistance to tricycle drivers in highly urbanized and component cities, as well as the nearest municipalities in Western Visayas, on April 8. In a video message, DSWD 6 (Western Visayas) Director Joselito Estember stated that members of the Tricycle Operators and Drivers Associations (TODA) will each receive PHP5,000.

According to Philippines News Agency, Estember emphasized that drivers need only bring their driver's license to personally claim their assistance at the designated payout site. He clarified that the program is exclusively for drivers, not operators, unless the operator also drives the tricycle. The list of beneficiaries will be sourced from local government units based on the franchise issued to TODAs.

The initiative follows the recent pilot implementation in Manila and will commence in Iloilo City and extend to the component cities of Passi City and Roxas City, along with nearby municipalities. In a related interview, DSWD-6 Information Officer Therese Fely Legaste mentioned ongoing collaboration with the Department of Transportation (DOTr) to expand assistance to other public utility carriers.

Legaste also highlighted Secretary Rex Gatchalian's commitment to ensuring that no drivers are left behind, particularly those impacted by rising fuel prices. The DSWD plans to distribute the cash directly to beneficiaries during the payout, with beneficiaries identified and certified by local government units and the DOTr as active drivers facing economic challenges.