“Susunod mga public utility jeepney drivers… (mabigyan ng ayuda) sa April 21-24’ - DSWD CAR OIC, RD Gascon on assistance roll-out

Tabuk City, Kalinga – Public utility jeepney drivers in the Cordillera region are set to be the next recipients of government assistance, as Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD)–CAR Regional Director Enrique Gascon announced a tentative payout schedule from April 21 to 24.

The regional director confirmed the upcoming distribution of cash aid during the payout for tricycle drivers in Tabuk City on April 8 at the city gymnasium. The announcement comes amid the ongoing fuel crisis affecting the transport sector nationwide.

According to Gascon, jeepney drivers will follow after the initial rollout for tricycle drivers, which has been prioritized due to the availability of verified lists from local government units (LGUs).

“…susunod naman ang mga public utility jeepneys. Yung listahan naman is manggagaling sa Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board and ang tentative schedule naman natin sa kanila is April 21–24. Kaya inuna natin ang mga tricycle drivers kasi mas mabilis na ma-produce ng LGU natin ang listahan kasi nasa kanila na,” he said.

The regional director emphasized that the payout is part of a one-time assistance initiative, with measures in place to prevent duplication of beneficiaries across different areas. He added that succeeding payouts for other transport sectors will follow.

“Later on naman is taxis, delivery riders—pero sa ngayon, tricycle drivers muna ng cities and municipalities, and minsan lang po ito. Kapag nabigyan sila ngayon, hindi na sila mabibigyan ulit. For other sectors, ang sabi ni Rex Gatchalian, mauna muna ang transport sector kasi ang nakalaan naman dito is P30 billion para sa buong bansa,” he added.

Gascon noted that the list of drivers comes from the LGUs to ensure that only legitimate drivers are included. As a result, colorum, or unregistered operators, are not covered. However, they may still avail themselves of other assistance under the Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situation (AICS) program.

The DSWD-CAR assured that further announcements will be made as coordination with partner agencies, including the LTFRB, progresses and additional validated lists are completed.