Tricycle drivers in Sibulan, Negros Oriental receive their PHP5,000 Cash Relief Assistance on Thursday (April 16, 2026) at the town gymnasium. The Department of Social Welfare and Development in the Negros Island Region said it has distributed more than PHP77 million in cash aid to 15,417 tricycle drivers across the region, representing 92.39 percent of its target of 16,687 beneficiaries. (Photo courtesy of Jessa Fonollera)
DUMAGUETE CITY – The Department of Social Welfare and Development in the Negros Island Region (DSWD-NIR) has distributed a total of PHP77,035 million in cash assistance to 15,417 tricycle drivers across the region, an official said on Friday.
John Paul Ocat, DSWD-NIR public information officer, told the Philippine News Agency in an interview that as of 9 p.m. Thursday, they have achieved a 92.39-percent accomplishment rate in their Cash Relief Assistance program to tricycle drivers in various municipalities in Negros Oriental, Negros Occidental and Siquijor.
“While the payouts were completed in Negros Oriental and Siquijor on Thursday, there are still some areas in Negros Occidental that continued the distribution of the cash assistance on Friday,” he said.
These are Valladolid, Pontevedra, Hinigaran, Binalbagan, La Castellana, Hinoba-an, Cauayan, Don Salvador Benedicto, Ilog, Isabela and Candoni.
Each tricycle driver is entitled to PHP5,000 cash assistance, provided he has completed the requirements.
Ocat said they hope to be able to reach their target beneficiaries of 16,687 tricycle drivers in the region.
He added that the DSWD-NIR will hold a special payout for individuals who did not receive the government subsidy in past distributions, although no date has been set yet.
The financial aid for tricycle drivers is intended to assist them in managing the soaring fuel prices that have affected the transportation industry. (PNA)