More than 45,000 drivers and riders of transport network companies, including Grab, JoyRide, and inDrive, have received P5,000 each in cash relief assistance from the Department of Social Welfare and Development as the government moves to cushion transport workers from the impact of high fuel prices.
DSWD Assistant Secretary and spokesperson Irene Dumlao said Sunday that the agency conducted special payout operations during the week in coordination with various transport network companies to ensure that drivers and riders under transport network vehicle service platforms receive the P5,000 cash relief assistance being extended to public utility vehicle drivers nationwide.
As of May 16, the DSWD’s special payout operations for TNCs operating in Metro Manila had benefited 45,522 drivers and riders, with total disbursements reaching P227.61 million under the Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situation program.
Grab, including Move It riders, accounted for the largest number of beneficiaries, with 37,344 drivers and riders receiving a total of P186.72 million. JoyRide followed with 4,300 beneficiaries, while inDrive had 3,878 beneficiaries and a total disbursement of P19.39 million.
Dumlao said the DSWD will continue holding special payout operations this week to reach eligible drivers and riders who have yet to receive the financial assistance.
She said the payouts are part of the national government’s continuing interventions under the Unified Package for Livelihoods, Industry, Food, and Transport framework, or UPLIFT, in line with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s directive to assist sectors affected by rising fuel prices and broader economic pressures.
The DSWD earlier set aside P30 billion from its AICS fund for the cash assistance program for public utility vehicle drivers.