The Department of Social Welfare and Development in Western Visayas (DSWD 6) distributed cash assistance to 4,715 tricycle drivers on April 21, 2026, across the provinces of Aklan, Iloilo, Antique, and Guimaras. The financial support was part of the agency's ongoing Cash Relief Assistance (CRA) program, designed to alleviate the burden of rising fuel costs on public transport workers.
The payouts, now approaching two weeks of implementation, were conducted simultaneously in several municipalities, with each beneficiary receiving P5,000. DSWD 6 emphasized that the assistance aims to help ease the financial strain caused by increasing fuel prices.
Breakdown of Beneficiaries by Province
In Iloilo province, the municipality of Estancia recorded the highest number of beneficiaries with 847 drivers, followed by Leon with 500, San Miguel with 433, Balasan with 308, Alimodian with 222, and Carles with 127. In Guimaras, a total of 663 drivers in Buenavista received aid, while 191 beneficiaries were recorded in Sibunag and 143 in San Lorenzo. In Aklan, 577 tricycle drivers benefited from the program in New Washington. In Antique, payouts covered 577 drivers in Pandan and 127 in Libertad.
Government Support for Transport Workers
The CRA program follows the directives of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and DSWD Secretary Rex Gatchalian to provide immediate financial relief to public transportation sector workers affected by rising fuel prices. DSWD 6 continues to expand the rollout of the program to reach more beneficiaries across Western Visayas as part of the government's broader effort to support transport workers facing economic challenges.
The simultaneous distribution on April 21, 2026, underscores the agency's commitment to delivering timely aid to those in need. With the ongoing implementation, more tricycle drivers are expected to receive assistance in the coming weeks, helping them cope with the financial impact of higher fuel costs.
