TACLOBAN CITY—In response to the continued surge in fuel prices, more than 10,000 public transport drivers across Eastern Visayas will receive P5,000 each in cash assistance from the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) to help ease the burden on their daily operations.
The subsidy forms part of the government’s broader effort to support vulnerable transport workers, whose incomes are directly affected by rising fuel costs and fluctuating passenger demand.
DSWD-8 spokesperson lawyer Jonalyn Chua said the distribution is expected to begin after the observance of Holy Week, as the agency finalizes the list of beneficiaries and completes logistical preparations.
“We only have initial information regarding the cash relief assistance. This is initially for seven cities in Region 8, targeting 10,971 beneficiaries at P5,000 each,” Chua said in an interview.
The program will cover drivers from seven major cities in the region: Tacloban, Ormoc, and Baybay in Leyte; Catbalogan and Calbayog in Samar; Maasin in Southern Leyte; and Borongan in Eastern Samar.
With an estimated budget of P85 million, the assistance is expected to benefit drivers across various modes of public transport, particularly motorcycle-for-hire (MCH) operators, who serve as a primary transport option in many communities, especially in areas with limited access to formal public transportation.
In Tacloban City alone, more than 2,000 MCH drivers and operators have already registered for the subsidy during an enlistment activity conducted on March 26 by the local DSWD office in coordination with the city government.
To ensure proper targeting and accountability, only registered MCH drivers and operators will be eligible to receive the assistance.
The list of beneficiaries is currently being validated using records from the Tacloban City Business Permits and Licensing Division to ensure that support reaches legitimate and compliant transport workers.
The initiative highlights the government’s ongoing efforts to cushion the impact of rising fuel prices on essential sectors, particularly those who rely on daily earnings to sustain their livelihoods.
JOEY A. GABIETA
