A total of 4,922 jeepney drivers in Pampanga received ₱5,000 each under the Cash Relief Assistance program of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) in partnership with the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB).
The initiative aims to help public utility vehicle (PUV) drivers and their families cope with rising daily expenses amid the continuing increase in fuel prices linked to tensions in the Middle East.
Officials said the program forms part of the government’s ongoing efforts to assist the transport sector and ease the financial burden on drivers who depend on daily passenger trips as their primary source of income.
During the payout activity in the City of San Fernando, DSWD Regional Director Venus Rebuldela said the assistance was implemented under the directive of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to ensure affected transport workers receive government support.
Rebuldela said the program also covers TODA, JODA, motorcycle taxi, and transport network vehicle service (TNVS) drivers, while coordination with the Department of Information and Communications Technology continues for the payout schedules of MC Taxi and TNVS beneficiaries.
She added that the agency is preparing special payout schedules for qualified beneficiaries who were unable to receive assistance during the regular distribution due to pending validation or other valid circumstances.
According to Rebuldela, the government remains committed to ensuring that no qualified beneficiary will be left behind during times of crisis, emphasizing the continued cooperation among various government agencies in providing temporary relief assistance.
Aside from the financial aid, the provincial government of Pampanga also distributed food packs to beneficiaries during the payout activities to further support their daily needs.
Many jeepney drivers welcomed the assistance, saying it would help them cope with rising fuel prices, household expenses, and their children’s school needs.
Among the beneficiaries was 56-year-old jeepney driver Lucky Lumba, who expressed gratitude for the assistance, saying the ₱5,000 cash aid would greatly help his family amid the challenges of earning through daily driving.
The DSWD said it continues to coordinate with partner agencies and transport groups to ensure that all qualified beneficiaries under the Cash Relief Assistance program receive the support intended for them.
