The Department of Social Welfare and Development Field Office 7 is set to distribute cash relief assistance to tricycle drivers across Central Visayas affected by the oil price hike due to the ongoing crisis in the Middle East on April 8, 2026.

 

The cash assistance will cover nine LGUs in Cebu and an LGU in Bohol.

These LGUs include Bogo City, Carcar City, Cebu City, City of Naga, Danao City, Lapu-Lapu City, Mandaue City, Tagbilaran City, Talisay City, and Toledo City.

Each beneficiary will receive cash relief of Php 5,000.00 through the Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situations (AICS).

The payout aims to mitigate the impact of the oil price hike on the transport sector caused by the ongoing crisis in the Middle East.

This initiative also aligns with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s executive order declaring a state of national energy emergency and the memorandum circular issued by DSWD Secretary Rex Gatchalian in response to the situation.

Who is eligible to claim the assistance?

Based on the guidelines, only drivers operating fuel-powered vehicles are eligible for the assistance. Drivers of electric vehicles (e-bikes) and “traysikad” are not eligible.

Operators are not eligible; however, operator-drivers are eligible.

All qualified tricycle drivers will receive the assistance as long as they are included in the list submitted by the LGUs to DSWD.

Who creates the list?

The list of eligible tricycle driver beneficiaries will be provided by their respective LGUs based on their registration.

The LGU will submit the list to DSWD for deduplication to ensure that beneficiaries do not receive the assistance more than once.

Legitimate drivers not included in the list are advised to seek assistance from the HELP DESKS at payout centers or their respective LGUs.

How to claim the assistance?

The assistance is a one-time grant of Php 5,000.00 intended to support affected drivers amid the oil price hike.

Qualified drivers must bring their driver’s license to the venue along with one photocopy.

The birthdate and full name must match the list submitted to DSWD.

It is important to note that sending representatives to claim the assistance is not allowed. Drivers must personally claim the cash aid to ensure legitimacy.

Fast, efficient, and organized payout

DSWD-7 Regional Director Shalaine Marie Lucero, CESO III, assured that Field Office 7 will carry out a fast, efficient, and organized payout for tricycle drivers in Central Visayas.

“Our goal is to ensure a professional, organized, and efficient payout across all implementing LGUs. Our teams will be fully mobilized to carry out the payout, and we will ensure that all stakeholders, especially the LGUs, will do their part to ensure a safe and smooth distribution,” RD Lucero said.

The CRA is part of the Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situations (AICS) program modality of DSWD. ###