By Jay B. Laurino Tricycle drivers in Lucena City receive P5,000 cash assistance from the Department of Social Welfare and Development durin...
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| Tricycle drivers in Lucena City receive P5,000 cash assistance from the Department of Social Welfare and Development during a payout held in Barangay Mayao Crossing on April 8. (Lucena City PIO) |
LUCENA CITY, Quezon - Cash assistance for tricycle drivers across CALABARZON is underway in several cities under a regional rollout on April 8. A total of 24,616 drivers from 13 pilot areas are included in the first phase led by the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD).
In Lucena City, Quezon, 2,113 Tricycle Operators and Drivers Associations (TODA) drivers received P5,000 each at the New Evacuation Center in Barangay Mayao Crossing. The assistance is part of the national government response to rising fuel prices affecting drivers’ earnings.
The payout in Lucena falls under the Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situation (AICS) program, which provides financial aid to transport workers. The DSWD aims to assist up to 8,022 tricycle drivers in the city, with more payouts scheduled in the coming days.
City offices, including the Special Project Unit and the City Social Welfare and Development Office, assisted in the rollout. City leadership also expressed support for the program, with Mayor Mark Alcala and Vice Mayor Roderick Alcala backing the effort.
The Lucena payout forms part of a wider rollout in Cavite, Laguna, Batangas, and Rizal under the same program. Covered areas include Imus, Carmona, Cavite City, Bacoor, Biñan, Santa Rosa, Batangas City, Lipa, Calaca, Tanauan, Sto. Tomas, and Antipolo.
Payouts are held in venues such as covered courts, gymnasiums, and evacuation centers arranged by government agencies and partner groups. These venues handle crowds and keep the process orderly.
Staff at the sites manage crowd flow, check documents, and record recipients to avoid duplication. Schedules and queue systems are set to reduce congestion and speed up the process.
The program follows a phased rollout to ensure all listed beneficiaries are served. This ensures manageable turnout and accurate verification across locations.
The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) said the program aims to reach about 72,800 tricycle drivers across CALABARZON. More payout schedules will be announced for drivers not included in the first batch.
The assistance helps drivers cope with rising fuel prices and lower income. The program forms part of government efforts to support workers in the public transport sector.
Beneficiaries must go to their assigned payout sites to claim the assistance. They need to bring a valid driver’s license and a photocopy for verification.
Drivers are advised to confirm their schedule with the City Social Welfare and Development Office. This helps avoid delays.
Payouts in the pilot areas will continue throughout April under schedules set by local governments. Other Public Utility Vehicle drivers are advised to wait for further announcements on possible inclusion.
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