LUCENA CITY, Quezon — Amidst a persistent energy crisis and rising fuel costs, the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Region IV-A has officially launched its cash relief distribution for public utility jeepney (PUJ) drivers across the CALABARZON region, on Wednesday, May 13, 2026, the program aims to provide immediate financial buffers for the transport sector, which has been heavily impacted by the global oil supply volatility of 2026.
The distribution is part of a broader national effort to cushion the economic blow to minimum wage earners in the transport industry.
- Financial Aid: Each qualified jeepney driver receives a one-time cash grant of ₱5,000.
- Target Reach: DSWD Region IV-A aims to serve more than 6,000 jeepney drivers in the initial phase for the five provinces (Cavite, Laguna, Batangas, Rizal, and Quezon).
- Program Framework: The aid is released under the Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situations (AICS) program, following a directive from the national government to utilize all available social protection funds during the current energy emergency.
On the first day of the regional rollout (May 13), payout activities were held simultaneously at key strategic points to ensure rapid disbursement:
| Province | Payout Locations (May 13) |
| Quezon | Lucena City and Tayabas City |
| Cavite | Trece Martires and Dasmariñas |
| Laguna | San Pablo City and Santa Rosa |
| Rizal | Binangonan and Taytay |
| Batangas | Batangas City |
The DSWD has reminded drivers that personal appearance is mandatory to receive the funds. To avoid delays, beneficiaries must present:
- Valid Driver’s License: Original and one photocopy.
- Verified List Inclusion: Drivers must ensure their names are on the validated list provided by the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) and their respective local government units (LGUs).
The agency also confirmed that the distribution for tricycle drivers is concurrently ongoing. As of mid-May, over 51,000 tricycle drivers in the region have already received their ₱5,000 grants. In Quezon province alone, recent payouts reached over 500 drivers in the coastal and island municipalities of Polillo, Burdeos, and Tagkawayan.
The DSWD aims to conclude the primary distribution for PUV drivers by May 20, 2026, to transition to other vulnerable sectors. Drivers who have not yet seen their names on the lists are encouraged to coordinate with their local TODA/JODA (Tricycle/Jeepney Operators and Drivers Association) for verification and inclusion in the “special payout” schedules.
“This cash relief is intended to help our drivers cope with the high cost of living and fuel. We encourage them to use the funds to supplement their daily household needs or fuel expenses as we navigate this energy crisis together.” — DSWD Field Office IV-A Statement