Bicol region: Over 2,800 drivers from the Bicol Region have received cash assistance from the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) 5, as part of a relief initiative to support transportation network company (TNC) drivers amidst rising petroleum prices.

According to Philippines News Agency, DSWD Bicol Director Norman Laurio stated that the cash relief assistance (CRA) payout aligns with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.'s directive to aid sectors significantly impacted by the escalating petroleum costs due to the ongoing conflict in the Middle East. The initiative is part of the Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situations (AICS) program, which provided each driver with PHP5,000 in financial support.

In a single-day simultaneous payout held on May 29, a total of 2,881 drivers were served, resulting in the disbursement of over PHP14 million. Laurio emphasized that drivers who missed the payout due to valid reasons can still claim their assistance by visiting any of the 12 AICS satellite offices in the region. For those with medical issues, such as hospitalization, the DSWD team is committed to making home or hospital visits.

The distribution covered various provinces: 911 drivers from Albay, 219 from Camarines Norte, 1,611 from Camarines Sur, 49 from Catanduanes, 107 from Masbate, and 434 from Sorsogon.