The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) commenced the distribution of cash relief assistance on Wednesday, May 6, 2026, for 2,703 public utility jeepney (PUJ) drivers across the Zamboanga Peninsula. This initiative aims to cushion the impact of soaring fuel prices on their livelihoods.
Financial Allocation and Beneficiaries
Ivan Eric Salvador, information officer of DSWD-Zamboanga Peninsula, announced that the government has allocated approximately PHP 13.5 million for this program. Each identified PUJ driver-beneficiary will receive PHP 5,000 in financial aid. The breakdown of beneficiaries includes 2,416 from Zamboanga City; 205 from Dipolog City, Zamboanga del Norte; 40 from Ipil, Zamboanga Sibugay; 35 from Pagadian, Zamboanga del Sur; and 7 from Liloy, Zamboanga del Norte.
Purpose and Guidelines
The cash relief aims to alleviate the financial burden on PUJ drivers who have been severely affected by the continuous increase in petroleum product prices. Beneficiaries are urged to use the assistance for basic needs.
Previous Assistance and Local Government Support
Last month, the DSWD distributed PHP 60.4 million in cash relief to 12,094 tricycle drivers across the Zamboanga Peninsula. Additionally, the City Government of Zamboanga extended financial assistance to 4,353 tricycle drivers in the city. Socorro Rojas, head of the City Social Welfare and Development Office (CSWDO), stated that the city allocated PHP 4.3 million for this program, with each beneficiary receiving PHP 1,000.
The distribution was conducted in batches: Monday for 1,543 drivers from Zones 1 and 4; Tuesday for 1,179 drivers from Zone 2; and Wednesday for 1,631 drivers from Zone 3. Rojas emphasized that this assistance is part of the city government's ongoing support for legitimate tricycle drivers affected by the fuel crisis. Last month, the City Government of Zamboanga also distributed PHP 4.7 million in cash aid to 2,373 PUJ drivers.
