Over P1B in cash aid distributed to Calabarzon PUV drivers

LUCENA CITY, Quezon — The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) in Region IV-A has distributed P1.096 billion in cash relief assistance to public utility vehicle (PUV) drivers across Calabarzon (Cavite, Laguna, Batangas, Rizal, and Quezon) as of June 5 to help ease the burden of rising fuel prices.

In a recent report, the DSWD Region IV-A said that since payout operations began in April 2026, assistance has been extended to 198,637 tricycle drivers, 13,691 jeepney drivers, and 6,961 service delivery riders in the region.

READ: DSWD 7 continues cash aid payout for transport, delivery workers

“Each driver whose income was affected by the oil price hike triggered by the Middle East crisis received P5,000 to help augment their family’s needs,” the agency said.

The DSWD Region IV-A said it will continue payout activities to reach more affected PUV drivers and riders.

The financial assistance, implemented in coordination with the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB), is being released under the DSWD’s Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situations (AICS) program.

According to the agency, the assistance is intended to help PUV drivers cope with the continuing increase in fuel prices, with beneficiaries allowed to use the cash aid for fuel expenses or household needs.

READ: A lifeline for PUV drivers

The DSWD advised beneficiaries to coordinate with their respective associations regarding payout schedules and wait for official announcements from the agency or their local government units.

Recipients were also reminded to report to payout venues only on their assigned schedules to prevent overcrowding and to bring both the original and a photocopy of their valid driver’s license.

Beneficiaries were likewise encouraged to coordinate with their associations or local Social Welfare and Development Offices to verify their inclusion in the list of aid recipients./coa