CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY — Tricycle drivers in eight Northern Mindanao cities will receive a one-time ₱5,000 cash grant starting April 8, as the government rolls out emergency relief amid rising fuel prices.
The Department of Social Welfare and Development in Region 10 (DSWD-10) will implement the assistance under its Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situation (AICS) program to provide immediate support to the transport sector.
The initial rollout covers Cagayan de Oro, El Salvador, Gingoog, Malaybalay, Valencia, Ozamiz, Tangub, and Oroquieta.
The absence of a localized Tricycle Operators and Drivers Association (TODA) structure excludes Iligan City from the payout.
“This assistance is a vital lifeline for our TODA drivers, who are among the hardest hit by rising fuel costs,” said DSWD-10 Regional Director Glofelia Uayan.
To ensure orderly distribution, local government units will handle the validation and submission of beneficiary lists.
Only drivers included in official LGU-certified lists will qualify for the payout.
“We are closely coordinating with our local government partners to ensure the process is seamless, transparent, and reaches those who are officially identified as in need,” Uayan added.
Eligible drivers must present the original valid driver’s license for identity verification, along with one photocopy of the license bearing a wet signature.
DSWD-10 acknowledges the impact on all transport workers but prioritizes TODA members for the initial rollout, following national directives.
The agency advised non-TODA drivers to monitor further announcements for possible inclusion in future assistance programs.
