TACLOBAN CITY — Close to 2,000 public utility jeepney (PUJ) drivers across Eastern Visayas received financial assistance from the government as the Department of Social Welfare and Development Field Office 8 (DSWD FO 8) conducted a simultaneous payout on May 8.
A total of 1,913 PUJ drivers were given P5,000 each under the cash assistance program aimed at helping transport workers cope with rising fuel prices, increasing daily operating costs, and other livelihood-related challenges in the transport sector.
The Tacloban City payout was led by DSWD Regional Director Grace Subong in coordination with the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board Regional Office 8 (LTFRB RO 8), headed by Regional Director Gualberto Gualberto.
Officials from both agencies emphasized the importance of sustained government support for transport workers who continue to be affected by economic pressures.
Subong said the assistance reflects the government’s commitment to ensuring that drivers and other transport stakeholders feel prioritized amid ongoing economic challenges.
Gualberto also expressed appreciation for the partnership with DSWD, assuring that programs supporting PUJ operators and drivers in the region will continue.
The simultaneous payout was conducted in nine DSWD Action Centers across Eastern Visayas, including Tacloban City, Ormoc City, Baybay City, Villaba in Leyte, Maasin City in Southern Leyte, and key locations in Samar and Northern Samar such as Calbayog City, Catbalogan City, Borongan City, and Catarman.
DSWD reported that a total of P9.565 million was distributed throughout the region, with payouts in Biliran and parts of Southern Leyte still ongoing.
The agency said the initiative underscores the government’s continued effort to provide timely and compassionate assistance to transport workers affected by economic hardships.
(LIZBETH ANN A. ABELLA)
