MANILA – The Department of Social Welfare and Development will extend its cash relief program to public utility vehicle (PUV) drivers outside the National Capital Region (NCR) after Holy Week, aiming to ease the impact of rising fuel prices on their livelihood.

Assistant Secretary Irene Dumlao said the agency is preparing for the next phase of implementation while continuing payouts in Metro Manila.

“Ang target po natin ay makapag-umpisa tayo right after Holy Week. Sa ngayon, hindi pa natin nakikita ang kabuuang bilang ng mga drivers sa iba’t ibang panig ng ating bansa,” Dumlao said.

Following last week’s PHP5,000 cash aid distribution for tricycle drivers, the DSWD will begin payouts for other PUV drivers starting March 24. Scheduled distributions include 27,635 transport network vehicle service drivers on Tuesday, over 21,700 public utility jeepney drivers on Wednesday, around 137,700 delivery riders on March 26–27, and about 27,600 motorcycle taxi drivers on March 28.

“Ang gusto po ng Pangulong (Ferdinand R.) Marcos Jr., ay matulungan lahat ng ating drivers na may suliraning kinakaharap bunsod ng pagtaas ng presyo ng petrolyo,” Dumlao said.

To ensure efficient and accurate distribution, the DSWD requires beneficiaries to be physically present and validates identities to prevent duplication or errors.

Other sectors are being assisted by partner agencies, with taxi drivers covered by the Department of Transportation, and farmers and fisherfolk supported by the Department of Agriculture.

The DSWD also reminded drivers to coordinate with local government units and the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board to ensure they are listed as beneficiaries, and to bring a valid driver’s license and photocopy when claiming cash aid.