The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) 13 (Caraga Region) began on Thursday the simultaneous implementation of the second phase of the cash relief assistance for tricycle drivers and operators.

DSWD-13 said in a statement that at least 7,551 members of various Tricycle Operators and Drivers Associations (TODA) directly affected by the ongoing fuel crisis would benefit from the financial aid.

Each beneficiary will receive PHP5,000 through the agency’s Cash Relief Assistance program.

“The release of the financial aid will continue in the coming days, especially for the local government units (LGUs) that cannot facilitate the payouts today,” the DSWD-13 said.

The agency conducted the first phase of the program last week, providing assistance to more than 8,000 tricycle drivers and operators across the region.

“This expresses the strong effort of DSWD-Caraga in providing appropriate support to the transportation sector, which continues to serve the community despite the rising fuel prices,” the agency added.

Beneficiaries expressed their gratitude for the timely intervention. Clementio Digol Jr., a driver from Prosperidad, Agusan del Sur, said the aid is vital for both his livelihood and his family’s daily needs.

“Thank you very much to the DSWD. This is a huge help for us because of the more-than-double increase in gasoline prices. I will use this for gasoline, food, and household expenses,” Digol said.

Mary Grace Pereras, a driver from Buenavista, Agusan del Norte, noted that her income had become insufficient due to soaring fuel costs.

“I will use this to fill up my tank, and the remaining amount I will spend on food for us,” Pereras said upon receiving her PHP5,000 subsidy. (PNA)