The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) will begin distributing P5,000 financial aid to public utility vehicle (PUV) drivers affected by rising fuel prices due to the Middle East crisis.
DSWD Secretary Rex Gatchalian said the distribution will start next Tuesday, initially for tricycle drivers in Metro Manila.
“Tulad ng direktiba ng Pangulo, hindi na ’to tatagal — as soon as Tuesday, tuluy-tuloy na ho ’tong aarangkada hanggang sa matapos namin,” said Gatchalian.
The aid will be released through the Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situation (AICS) program to help drivers whose livelihoods were affected by the fuel price increase.
Drivers of jeepneys, taxis, UV Express, buses, and TNVS are also expected to receive the assistance.
Meanwhile, DOTr Acting Secretary Giovanni Lopez said Marcos Jr. ordered government agencies to act quickly and implement assistance programs to ease the burden on the transport sector.IMT
