P22 million in cash aid released to over 4,400 PUJ drivers in Central Visayas

Local

A TOTAL of P22.12 million in Cash Relief Assistance (CRA) has been distributed by the Department of Social Welfare and Development– Central Visayas (DSWD-7) to thousands of public utility jeepney (PUJ) drivers across the region.

The two-day payout activity, conducted on May 13 to 14 benefited 4,424 PUJ drivers identified as qualified recipients of the government’s emergency assistance program.

DSWD-7 recorded a 91.25 percent payout completion rate during the distribution.

Regional data showed that in Bohol, 227 out of 242 target beneficiaries successfully claimed their assistance, while in Cebu, a total of 4,197 out of 4,606 beneficiaries received the cash aid.

Around 424 beneficiaries remain unpaid despite the agency extending the assistance claiming period until Friday, May 15, 2026.

According to DSWD-7, the number of unpaid beneficiaries remains unchanged as of May 18.

The payout operation was facilitated by DSWD-7 personnel in coordination with the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board, which provided the validated list of eligible beneficiaries to ensure an orderly and efficient distribution process.

The assistance initiative forms part of the directive of Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to extend immediate financial support to sectors affected by rising fuel prices and ongoing economic challenges, particularly public utility vehicle drivers who continue to provide essential transportation services.(MyTVCebu)