CAPIZ — More than 400 tricycle drivers in the municipality of Maayon received much-needed financial assistance from the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) on Thursday, April 16.
Each beneficiary was granted P5,000 in cash under the Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situations (AICS) program.
The initiative aims to support individuals facing economic hardship, particularly those affected by rising fuel prices.
The DSWD identified tricycle drivers as priority beneficiaries, recognizing their vital role in local transportation and their vulnerability to fuel price fluctuations. Many drivers rely solely on daily earnings from their vehicles to support their families.
DSWD-6 Director Joselito Estember emphasized that the program targets legitimate and active transport workers.
“Our priority is to support registered and active tricycle drivers to ensure that assistance reaches those who are truly part of the transport sector and in need during these challenging times,” Estember said.
Beneficiaries expressed gratitude for the assistance, noting that the subsidy would help ease their financial burdens and sustain their daily operations.
Similar cash assistance was also distributed to tricycle drivers in nearby municipalities, including Cuartero, Dao, Dumalag, Dumarao, and Panay.
The initiative underscores the government’s continuing efforts to support local transport workers and help communities cope with the economic impact of rising fuel costs./PN
