DSWD-NIR releases PHP 137.3M to drivers

By Glazyl M. Jopson

BACOLOD CITY — The Department of Social Welfare and Development-Negros Island Region released an initial PHP 137,295,000 in cash relief assistance to 27,549 tricycle drivers on the first day of the payout on April 8.

Negros Occidental, including Bacolod City, disbursed PHP 117,770,000 to 23,554 drivers, while Negros Oriental released PHP 19,525,000 to 3,905 drivers.

Cadiz City in Negros Occidental topped the list with PHP 16.4 million disbursed to 3,285 drivers.

It was followed by Bacolod City with PHP 15 million for 3,007 drivers, Bago City with PHP 12.6 million for 2,521 drivers, and La Carlota City with PHP 11.3 million for 2,271 drivers.

Other local government units included Sagay City with PHP 10.1 million for 2,027 drivers, Kabankalan City with PHP 9.6 million for 1,924 drivers, Silay City with PHP 8 million for 1,616 drivers, Victorias City with PHP 7.4 million for 1,485 drivers, Escalante City with PHP 7.1 million for 1,427 drivers, San Carlos City with PHP 6.8 million for 1,360 drivers, Talisay City with PHP 5.5 million for 1,117 drivers, Himamaylan City with PHP 4.7 million for 957 drivers, and Sipalay City with PHP 2.7 million for 557 drivers.

Bacolod Mayor Greg Gasataya, in a media interview, said there were only minimal complaints on the first day of the payout and that these were properly addressed.

He thanked the national government and the DSWD for providing assistance to tricycle drivers amid the global oil crisis.

“We are hands on in ensuring everything will be in order and to reach more to avail of the aid,” the mayor said.

In Negros Oriental, Dumaguete City posted the highest payout with PHP 10 million for 2,017 drivers, followed by Tanjay City with PHP 3.1 million for 628 drivers, and Bais City with PHP 2.7 million for 558 drivers.

Bayawan City and Guihulngan City each served 218 drivers and released PHP 1.09 million in cash aid, while Canlaon City released PHP 1.3 million to 266 drivers.

The number of beneficiaries represented 96.06% of the April 8 target of 28,584 drivers.

A total of 1,125 drivers, or 3.94%, had yet to claim their cash aid on the first day of the payout.

The agency said the performance surpassed the national average of 90.31%.

The agency has a total target of 34,974 tricycle drivers.

The fuel subsidy payout will run until April 10.