ZAMBOANGA CITY – The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD)-9 is set to begin distributing the ₱5,000 fuel assistance to tricycle drivers in five key cities in Region 9 starting April 10, expanding the government’s subsidy program beyond Metro Manila.
The fuel subsidy rollout follows its initial implementation in the National Capital Region on March 17. This is part of efforts to cushion the impact of rising fuel prices on the transport sector.
DSWD Regional Director Riduan P. Hadjimuddin said during the Philippine Information Agency’s (PIA) Kapihan sa Rehiyon Nueve program, the assistance will be released simultaneously in Zamboanga City, Isabela City in Basilan, Pagadian City, Dipolog City, and Dapitan City, once beneficiary lists are finalized.
“First target natin ang lahat ng cities sa Region 9. We are currently waiting for the validated lists from LGUs, particularly members of tricycle operators and drivers’ associations (TODA) na-certify ng social welfare offices. Ito ang magiging basehan ng payout,” Hadjimuddin said.
(Our initial target is to cover all cities in Region 9. We are currently waiting for the validated lists from local government units, particularly members of tricycle operators and drivers’ associations (TODA) certified by social welfare offices. These will serve as the basis for the payout.)
He said the agency is coordinating closely with City Social Welfare and Development Offices (CSWDOs) to complete the validation process, which includes cross-matching of names to prevent duplication and ensure that only qualified beneficiaries receive the subsidy.
“After validation, including cross-matching and checking for duplication, doon e-babase ang release ng subsidy (that will serve as the basis for the release of the subsidy) for ₱5,000 per beneficiary,” he added.
The fuel assistance is part of the national government’s targeted response to rising oil prices, prioritizing sectors most affected by cost increases, including tricycle drivers who rely on daily earnings.
Hadjimuddin said the simultaneous rollout in the five cities is intended to ensure faster, more efficient distribution once all requirements are completed.
At present, DSWD-9 is working with local governments to finalize beneficiary lists, with officials urging timely submission to avoid delays in the release of assistance.
The DSWD earlier implemented a similar payout in Metro Manila on March 17, marking the start of the subsidy program’s nationwide rollout.
As fuel prices continue to fluctuate, the DSWD said the assistance will provide immediate relief to drivers. To ensure transparency and accountability in aid distribution, systems for validation are being set up. (MLE/JPA/PIA9)
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