The city government here on Monday began disbursing funds expected to total PHP20 million to 10,000 beneficiaries within the local transportation sector.

The payout, scheduled from June 3-7, targets tricycle drivers and operators who have yet to fully recover from a pandemic slump, according to Mayor Roseller Rizal.

Speaking at the payout venue at LCC Auditorium in Barangay 5, the mayor highlighted that this is the first time the city government has earmarked a budget specifically for the tricycle sector under the “Tulong Gulong” project.

“These tricycle operators and drivers association (TODA) members have been among the hardest hit by the Covid-19 pandemic, and their recovery has been slow,” Rizal said.

Moreover, he clarified that this cash assistance is locally funded, distinct from the assistance provided by the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) through the Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa Ating Disadvantaged/Displaced Workers (TUPAD) and Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situation (AICS) programs.

Rizal emphasized that only those with valid franchises are eligible for this assistance.

According to records from the city’s Business Permit and Tricycle Franchising Office (BPTFO), as of March 31, 2024, there are 10,000 active franchise holders here.

Additionally, Rizal announced skills and livelihood training opportunities under the Kabuhayaan ni Rizal program, which families of tricycle drivers and operators can apply for to receive startup cash assistance.

To date, over 2,000 individuals have already enrolled in the skills training programs and have been offered startup assistance, he said. (PNA)