TACLOBAN CITY — The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) distributed P5,000 in cash assistance to 2,855 delivery riders across Eastern Visayas as part of the government’s response to rising fuel prices.
The regionwide payout, conducted simultaneously on May 27, aimed to provide immediate financial relief to transport-dependent workers whose daily income has been affected by increasing fuel costs amid the country’s ongoing energy concerns.
Tacloban City logged the highest number of beneficiaries with 1,124 riders receiving assistance. Samar followed with 536 beneficiaries, while Ormoc City recorded 402 recipients. Eastern Samar had 346 beneficiaries, Southern Leyte 202, Northern Samar 157, and Biliran 88.
According to the DSWD, delivery riders were prioritized under the program because of their heavy reliance on fuel for work and day-to-day operations. The agency said the initiative forms part of continuing government interventions designed to help vulnerable sectors cope with higher transportation expenses.
The DSWD added that coordination with local field offices and partner agencies will continue to ensure the orderly implementation of future payouts and the verification of qualified beneficiaries.
(BLUE REUGINE RUTHIELLE L. NICOLAS, LNU Student Intern)
