More than 45,000 transport network company (TNC) drivers in Metro Manila have received P5,000 in cash relief as part of the latest special payout operations conducted by the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD).
DSWD Secretary Rex Gatchalian confirmed that a total of 45,522 beneficiaries from Grab, Joyride, and inDrive were served. The total disbursements for this round reached P227.61 million under the Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situation (AICS) program.
Breakdown of Beneficiaries and Disbursements
According to the latest report from the DSWD-Crisis Intervention Program (CIP), Grab recorded the highest number of recipients. A total of 37,344 drivers, which includes Move It riders, received cash aid totaling P186.72 million.
Other participating companies also saw significant disbursements. The agency served 4,300 JoyRide beneficiaries with P21.50 million and 3,878 inDrive beneficiaries with P19.39 million, as reported by DSWD spokesman and Assistant Secretary Irene Dumlao.
Operational Efficiency and Coordination
The highest volume of activity occurred on Saturday, May 16, when 8,172 beneficiaries received assistance totaling P40.89 million in a single day.
Assistant Secretary Dumlao stated that the operations have proceeded smoothly due to close coordination with TNCs. She noted that conducting payouts on a per-company basis has made the process “more efficient, faster, and better organized.”
Dumlao further explained that this coordination helped speed up the verification process and prevented overcrowding at the payout sites. DSWD officials also praised the participating companies for providing accessible venues for the riders and drivers.
Economic Context and Future Outlook
This special payout is a component of the national government’s Unified Package for Livelihoods, Industry, Food, and Transport (Uplift) framework. The initiative follows a directive from President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. To provide support to sectors burdened by economic pressures and rising fuel prices.
Payout operations are expected to continue into next week. Beneficiaries may be required to monitor regular announcements from their respective companies for further updates on schedules and venues.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much cash relief did each TNC driver receive?
Each eligible driver received P5,000 in cash relief.
Which program provides the funding for these payouts?
The disbursements are made under the Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situation (AICS) program.
Why is the government providing this assistance?
The operation is part of the Uplift framework, following a directive from President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. To assist sectors affected by economic pressures and rising fuel prices.
Do you think per-company coordination is the most effective way to distribute government aid to gig economy workers?