The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) is targeting to complete by May 31 the first round of cash assistance distribution for public utility vehicle (PUV) drivers, while assuring the public that it has sufficient funds for future aid programs.
DSWD Assistant Secretary and spokesperson Irene Dumlao said about 1.5 million to 1.6 million PUV drivers nationwide have already received the P5,000 cash aid since the program began in late March.
In an interview, Dumlao said close to P8 billion has so far been released under the program.
She said the agency is conducting simultaneous special payouts to finish the distribution and ensure that all qualified transport workers receive the assistance.
The cash aid distribution remains ongoing until the end of the month for PUV drivers who have yet to receive their subsidy, as well as riders and drivers under Private Express and/or Messengerial Delivery Services (PEMEDES), transport network vehicle services, and motorcycle taxis.
As of May 26, another 317 jeepney and tricycle drivers from Metro Manila received their P5,000 cash aid. The DSWD also distributed assistance to 2,325 service delivery riders from the National Capital Region, Bulacan, Cavite, Rizal, and Laguna.
The agency also began special payouts for around 150,000 regional PEMEDES drivers, including those working with LBC Express, Grab Express, Fastrak Services Inc., Global Jet Cargo Philippines Inc., J&J Dynamic, Express Speed Riders Inc., Lalamove Technology Philippines, and other delivery service providers.
Dumlao said the DSWD remains prepared to support other assistance programs as needed, stressing that the agency still has available funds for future ayuda initiatives.