A total of 4,411 tricycle drivers in Pangasinan received cash relief assistance amounting to P5,000 each on Friday. The distribution is part of a wider effort to support drivers facing economic pressure in various towns across the province.
Regional Distribution Breakdown
The aid reached several municipalities, with the highest number of recipients in Calasiao, where 1,345 drivers received the funds. Other beneficiaries include 666 drivers in Tayug, 581 in Alcala, 540 in Bautista, and 390 in San Quintin.
330 drivers in Santa Maria, 218 in Natividad, 174 in Santo Tomas, and 167 in San Nicolas were provided with the relief assistance. DSWD regional information officer Kristine Sheila Amoroso noted that 1,527 drivers from two other Pangasinan towns also received aid.
Economic Impact of Fuel Costs
The assistance aims to mitigate the financial burden caused by oil price hikes linked to the Middle East conflict. For many drivers, these price increases have significantly reduced their daily take-home pay.
Brando Joves, a 46-year-old driver from Calasiao, reported that his daily earnings dropped from over P500 to between P200 and P300. He indicated that the P5,000 aid would be used to sustain his family’s daily needs.
Other drivers, such as 59-year-old Florante Valdez, intend to use the cash relief to purchase essential maintenance medicines for conditions such as diabetes.
Broader Relief Efforts
The scope of the assistance extends beyond Malasiqui. As of April 20, over P153 million in cash relief aid had been distributed to 30,601 tricycle drivers across the Ilocos Region.
The distribution process for drivers outside of Metro Manila began on April 8. The program is expected to reach its target completion by April 30 of this year.
Depending on the persistence of global oil price volatility, further support measures may be considered, or the current distribution timeline could be the primary relief effort for this period.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much cash assistance did each tricycle driver receive?
Each eligible tricycle driver received cash relief assistance worth P5,000.
What is the purpose of this cash relief assistance?
The assistance is intended to ease the burden caused by oil price hikes resulting from the Middle East conflict.
When is the distribution for drivers outside Metro Manila expected to end?
The target completion date for the distribution is April 30 of this year.
Do you believe temporary cash aid is sufficient to offset the long-term impact of fluctuating fuel prices on local transport workers?
