Amid the Rising Fuel Prices, DSWD Vows to Extend Aid to PUV Drivers in PH
DSWD – The Department of Social Welfare and Development is set to start releasing the fuel cash assistance for tricycle drivers in the National Capital Region (NCR) on March 17.
The escalating tension in the Middle East after the United States and Israel’s joint airstrike against Iran is felt in several other nations. Previously, after their Supreme Leader died due to the joint airstrike, Iran warned the world to get ready for oil to be $200 per barrel. It also stressed that negotiation with U.S. is no longer part of its agenda now.
Several other countries are affected by the escalating tension in the Middle East. In the Philippines, public utility drivers (PUV) are greatly affected by the high costs of fuel amid the rising costs of the basic commodities.
Amid the rising fuel costs in the country, the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) vowed to extend cash assistance to PUV drivers affected by the high costs of fuel. Based on a report on ABS-CBN News, it will begin distributing ₱5,000 cash assistance to tricycle drivers in Metro Manila starting March 17, 2026.
According to the social welfare department, around 139,000 tricycle drivers in the National Capital Region are expected to benefit from the rollout of the fuel cash assistance. It confirmed that the list of beneficiaries in NCR has already been validated.
Based on the report, the payouts will take place in 39 designated centers across the region beginning Tuesday. The distribution will start as early as 6:00 a.m. and there will be morning and afternoon batches.
According to DSWD spokesperson Assistant Secretary Irene Dumlao, the cash assistance will be provided under the DSWD’s Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situations (AICS) program. Amid the rising fuel costs, the assistance is intended as a one-time support to help drivers sustain their operations.
“Itong mga drivers kasi po natin, ang tingin natin sa kanila ay mga individuals in crisis situation. Hindi na lamang po sila iyong mga drivers na apektado nga ng pagtaas ng presyo ng petrolyo. Kaya AICS po iyong programa na ini-extend natin sa kanila,” Dumlao said.
Assistant Sec. Irene Dumlao stated that tricycle drivers in Metro Manila were prioritized because their records were already complete. Based on the report, other public utility vehicle sectors, including jeepney and taxi drivers, will follow once their beneficiary lists are completed and verified.
Previously, following the first bigtime oil price increase in the Philippines last March 10, 2026 since the joint airstrike of U.S. and Israel against Iran, it was reported that another oil price hike may affect the prices of diesel and kerosene again this March 17, 2026.