DSWD distributes P5K cash aid to 242 

Bohol PUJ drivers amid fuel crisis

By Elvira C. Bongosia

TAGBILARAN CITY, Bohol (PIA) — A total of 242 public utility jeepney (PUJ) drivers in Bohol received P5,000 each in cash relief assistance from the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) on May 13.

Victor Siao, 59, a multicab driver from Dauis, was among those who lined up at the Dampas Covered Court in Tagbilaran City, where payouts ran from 6 a.m. to 4 p.m.

“Nagpasalamat ko sa gobyerno niining gihatag nga P5,000 nga hinabang. Gawas sa pang-gasolina, makapalit nasad ko ani og bugas ug pang sud-an,” he said.

(I thank the government for this P5,000 aid. Aside from gasoline, I can now buy rice and other food.)

The 242 beneficiaries were identified by the Department of Transportation and the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB).

All were licensed, registered, and authorized to operate in their localities and routes validated by the LTFRB.

The validated list was then endorsed to DSWD Region 7 for payout.

The activity was conducted in coordination with the Tagbilaran City government and the LTFRB.

The cash assistance is being distributed to qualified public utility vehicle drivers under the Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situation (AICS) program, in line with a directive from President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.

The program aims to help drivers cope with rising fuel costs resulting from the Middle East Conflict. (ECB/PIA7-Bohol)

Victor Siao, 59, a multicab driver from Dauis, receives his P5,000 cash relief assistance from the DSWD at the Dampas Covered Court in Tagbilaran City, Bohol, on May 13. (ECB/PIA7-Bohol)