More than 32,000 Grab and Move It drivers in Central Visayas have received cash assistance from the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD)-7 to help cushion the impact of rising fuel prices.
Under the agency’s Cash Relief Assistance (CRA) program, 32,149 drivers affiliated with Grab Philippines—including Move It, GrabExpress, and Grab My Taxi riders—received P5,000 each during a four-day payout held from June 15 to 18 at the SkyHall of SM Seaside City Cebu.
The assistance forms part of the government’s Unified Package of Livelihoods, Industry, Food, and Transport (UPLIFT) Framework, a response under Executive Order No. 110 aimed at easing the effects of global fuel price increases linked to tensions in the Middle East.
For Move It driver Fujierico Baliwan, the aid provided immediate relief for both household and work-related expenses.
“Paspas kaayo ang proseso, wala kami nalangay sa pag-claim sa among P5,000. Kini ipalit dayon ug bugas ug sud-an, ihatag ang katunga sa akong asawa ug ang nahibilin para sa gasolina,” Baliwan said.
DSWD-7 Regional Director Shalaine Marie Lucero said the agency implemented an improved payout system that allowed beneficiaries to complete verification and receive assistance in just a few minutes.
“Based on the checking that we did this morning, one driver will actually be entertained in less than three minutes. That’s how organized our payout is,” Lucero said.
The agency said the streamlined process was developed from lessons learned during previous payouts for tricycle drivers and other transport workers.
Prior to the distribution for Grab and Move It drivers, DSWD-7 had also provided cash assistance to tricycle drivers, public utility jeepney drivers, delivery riders, and other transport network vehicle service (TNVS) operators across the region.
The payout was conducted in coordination with the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board, local government units, and transport network companies.
Photo courtesy of DSWD 7 / FB
Comments