As the government aims to address the surging prices amid the conflict in the Middle East.
During the Palace Press Briefing on Wednesday, March 11, the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Secretary Rex Gatchalian announced that the agency will start distributing the PHP5,000 financial aid to public utility vehicle (PUV) drivers next Tuesday, March 17.
According to him, the financial assistance is meant to directly benefit the sector, which is directly affected by rising fuel prices amid the Middle East crisis.
“Tulad ng nasabi ni Secretary Banoy (Giovanni Lopez) na ang direktiba ng ating Pangulo ay gamitin ang lahat ng mga programa ng DSWD para maprotektahan natin ang mga mahihirap, marginalized, the poor and the vulnerable,” said Gatchalian.
He noted that under the 2026 budget of the DSWD, more than PHP60 billion has been programmed for immediate use during a crisis, with PHP30 billion already on standby.
“So, naka-standby na iyong PHP30 billion, handang-handa na ang DSWD, nakakasa na rin ang mga mayor and this is a whole-of-government approach,” noted the DSWD chief.
The official alsp noted that given the severity of the price increase, they have already classified PUV drivers as “individuals in crisis situation,” which will make them eligible under the DSWD’s program
“Sa punto na ‘to, hindi na lang kasi sila public utility drivers kung hindi maituturing na natin silang mga individual in crisis situation dahil apektado na ang kanilang mga hanapbuhay – at diyan papasok ang AICS or the Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situation program ng DSWD.”
Initially, the PHP5,000 aid will be distributed to tricycle drivers in Metro Manila, but it will also be given to drivers of other PUVs, such as jeepneys, taxis, UV Express, buses, and TNVS, as well as all those affected by the increase in fuel prices.
The DSWD Secretary said during his meeting with Executive Secretary Ralph Recto, Department of Transportation (DOTr) Acting Secretary Giovanni Lopez and Metro Manila mayors that they have decided to start the distribution by Tuesday next week.
For his part, Secretary Lopez said President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr. is aware of the challenges arising from the Middle East conflict. “So, ang utos po sa atin ng ating Pangulo, huwag na natin hayaang mas lumala pa ang sitwasyon at kailangan ng whole-of-government approach dito,” added Lopez.
The transport chief also said the DOTr also has several programs to help out the transport sector, such as the fuel subsidy and the Service Contracting Program (SCP)—which is a government initiative that provides cash subsidies through payouts to affected public utility vehicle (PUV) drivers for contracting public transport services.
According to Secretary Lopez, the President had already told them not to wait for the condition of breaching the US$80 per barrel to start the financial assistance, and ordered them to begin implementing government subsidies and other assistance to ease the burden on vulnerable sectors.
“Although ang problema lang po dito, may mga kondisyon, mayroon po tayong sinasabi na kailangan ma-trigger muna iyong 80 dollars per barrel for one calendar month. At ang pinanggagalingan naman ng ating Pangulo, hindi na natin kailangang antayin pa ‘yan, kaya through the efforts of the President and the Executive Secretary, nakiusap na rin po kami sa DSWD, kay Secretary Rex,” he said.
LOCAL GOVERNMENTS URGED TO USE LGSF
Meanwhile, the President has als urged local chief executives nationwide to use their Local Government Support Fund (LGSF) to help ease the burden on vulnerable sectors.
While the LGSF is usually used for development projects, LGUs may redirect or prioritize programs to help OFWs and their families affected by overseas conflicts.
The LGSF is a national government fund transferred to provinces, cities, municipalities, and barangays to finance priority development programs and urgent local needs. It provides financial assistance and flexibility, enabling local governments to implement programs that address local economic and social concerns.
The President issued the directive as part of the national government’s proactive efforts to cushion the possible economic and social impact of the crisis, particularly on families of Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs).
As per Marcos, Jr.’s instruction, local government units (LGUs) may use the LGSF to assist communities affected by international crises, including families of OFWs impacted by the Middle East conflict, through financial aid, social services, and emergency response programs.
In the 2026 national budget, the LGSF allocation was about PHP57.88 billion to support projects and programs of LGUs nationwide.
Among the possible assistance programs are emergency financial aid for returning OFWs, financial support for families whose income was disrupted, and subsidies for displaced workers.
