DSWD-7 Distributes ₱160.63 Million in Cash Relief to 32,126 Tricycle Drivers in Central Visayas

The Department of Social Welfare and Development Field Office-7 (DSWD-7) has released a total of ₱160.63 million in cash relief assistance to 32,126 tricycle drivers across Central Visayas, with each beneficiary receiving ₱5,000 through the agency’s Cash Relief Assistance (CRA) program.

The aid was distributed during a series of massive payouts conducted on April 8 for city-based drivers and from April 16 to 18 for those in municipalities. Initial payouts covered 14,877 tricycle drivers operating in 10 cities, including Tagbilaran, Bogo, Danao, Mandaue, Cebu, Lapu-Lapu, Talisay, Naga, Carcar, and Toledo.

An additional 17,251 drivers from 91 municipalities in Cebu and Bohol provinces received assistance during the succeeding payout schedules. As of April 23, DSWD-7 reported a 93.67 percent completion rate, with 32,126 out of the 34,298 target beneficiaries already served.

A total of 2,172 drivers remain unpaid. In Bohol, 9,953 beneficiaries have received assistance out of a target of 10,628. Meanwhile, in Cebu, 22,173 drivers of the 23,670 target recipients have been paid.

The agency attributed the smooth rollout of payouts to close coordination with local government units (LGUs), which helped ensure proper implementation and minimized operational issues. Prior to the distribution, DSWD-7 conducted orientations with LGUs to align procedures and ensure accurate beneficiary information.

Help desks from both DSWD and LGUs were also established at payout sites to address concerns and assist beneficiaries. DSWD-7 Director Shalaine Marie Lucero emphasized the importance of coordination and efficiency in the implementation of the program.