MALAYBALAY CITY — A total of 596 tricycle drivers here received P5,000 each in cash assistance from the national government on April 8 to help address the impact of rising fuel prices on transport workers

The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) regional office led the distribution as part of social protection efforts for transport workers.

City Social Welfare and Development Officer Ivy Amor C. Urbina said the cash aid forms part of measures to address global economic conditions.

“Through close monitoring and local support, we ensured the smooth delivery of aid to our beneficiaries. This swift mobilization in Malaybalay City reflects our commitment to public service, as we streamlined identification to provide relief through an organized, responsive approach,” Urbina said.

The payout implements President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s directive to release assistance to drivers affected by fuel price increases. The government identified transport workers as among those affected by global oil price movements.

“We want to keep our drivers on the road and their families supported,” President Marcos said earlier, noting that the assistance provides support for the transport sector.

Beneficiaries said the assistance will help with daily expenses. Cresente Gempisao, 36, a tricycle driver from Barangay Casisang, said the P5,000 will support his family’s needs.

“Pasalamat mi sa gobyerno sa pagtubag sa kalisod, labi na kanamo nga mga tricycle driver. Dako na kini nga tabang para namo,” Gempisao said.

(We thank the government for this timely intervention, which provides tricycle drivers with much-needed relief.)

The city government said the distribution was carried out with coordination among agencies to ensure the release of assistance to beneficiaries. (BGE/PIA-10/Bukidnon)

Cash for fuel. Tricycle drivers in Malaybalay City line up at Casisang Covered Court on April 8 to receive their P5,000 cash aid from the Department of Social Welfare and Development. This rollout, which benefited 596 drivers, fulfills President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s directive to provide immediate financial relief to vulnerable transport workers amid rising global oil prices. (Photo: MCP/PIA-10/Bukidnon)