DSWD Launches P5,000 Cash Relief Assistance for PUV and Tricycle Drivers
The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) is rolling out a massive financial support program to shield public utility vehicle (PUV) and tricycle drivers from the impact of surging fuel prices. Driven by the Middle East crisis and rising oil costs, the government has allocated an initial budget of P30 billion to provide a P5,000 Cash Relief Assistance (CRA) to eligible drivers across the country.
This initiative falls under the department’s Assistance to Individuals in Crisis (AICS) Program and follows the signing of Executive Order No. 110 by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. On March 24, 2026. The order declares a state of national energy emergency and establishes the Unified Package for Livelihoods, Industry, Food and Transport to support sectors hardest hit by the energy crisis.
Nationwide Distribution and Regional Rollout
The distribution of the P5,000 aid is being implemented through a coordinated effort between the DSWD, the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB), and local government units (LGUs).
- Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR): DSWD-CAR is prepared for a nationwide simultaneous distribution on April 8. In Tabuk City, Kalinga, 1,187 tricycle drivers have been identified as initial beneficiaries based on lists provided by LGUs.
- Negros Island and Bacolod: Payouts are being organized for tricycle drivers in Bacolod and across Negros Island, where approximately 34,900 tricycle drivers are slated to receive the aid.
- MIMAROPA: Drivers in the MIMAROPA region are also scheduled to receive the P5,000 financial assistance to mitigate rising fuel costs.
How to Claim the Financial Aid
To ensure the funds reach the intended beneficiaries, the DSWD has set specific requirements for the payout process. Beneficiaries must adhere to the following:
- Personal Appearance: Beneficiaries are required to come in person to receive the payout.
- Required Documentation: Drivers must present their original driver’s license and provide one photocopy of the document.
Addressing Gaps in Beneficiary Lists
Secretary Rex Gatchalian has assured the public that the program aims to be inclusive. Recognizing that some eligible drivers may have been missed in the initial phase, the DSWD and LTFRB are currently consolidating a special payout list for unlisted PUJ drivers. The LTFRB is responsible for providing the official registered drivers’ list to the DSWD to ensure accuracy and transparency.
Key Takeaways
- Aid Amount: P5,000 per eligible driver.
- Total Budget: Initial P30 Billion allocated via the AICS Program.
- Legal Basis: Executive Order No. 110 (National Energy Emergency).
- Requirement: Original driver’s license and one photocopy; personal appearance required.
- Coordination: Lists are managed by the LTFRB and local LGUs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is eligible for the P5,000 cash aid?
Eligible beneficiaries include registered PUV and tricycle drivers. The DSWD uses official lists from the LTFRB and local government units to identify qualified recipients.
What happens if a driver is not on the initial list?
The DSWD and LTFRB are working to consolidate a special payout list specifically for drivers who were initially left out of the CRA beneficiary list to ensure inclusive coverage.
Why is this aid being provided now?
The financial assistance is a direct response to the rising fuel prices caused by the Middle East crisis, which has significantly increased the operational costs for public transport drivers.
As the rollout continues, the government remains focused on streamlining the distribution process to ensure that the most affected transport workers receive timely relief amid the ongoing energy emergency.
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