By CESAR JOLITO III

The Department of Social Welfare and Development in the Negros Island Region (DSWD-NIR) has distributed nearly P30 million in financial assistance to thousands of transport network vehicle service (TNVS) and service delivery drivers across the region.

In a three-day payout, DSWD-NIR released a total of P29.96 million in Cash Relief Assistance (CRA) to 5,992 qualified beneficiaries.

Each recipient received P5,000 to help offset the impact of rising fuel costs and increasing operational expenses.

The assistance forms part of the national government’s social protection initiatives aimed at supporting workers in the transport and delivery sectors, who continue to play a crucial role in ensuring mobility and the uninterrupted movement of goods and services.

The agency deployed personnel to various payout venues to facilitate the orderly and transparent distribution of funds.

The activity was carried out in coordination with local government units and partner agencies to ensure the smooth implementation of the program.

DSWD-NIR clarified that it was not responsible for identifying or selecting beneficiaries.

The list of eligible recipients was prepared by TNVS and service delivery companies and submitted through the Department of Information and Communications Technology and the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board for validation and consolidation at the national level.

After the final list was approved, DSWD-NIR was tasked with processing payrolls and releasing the assistance to beneficiaries in the region.

Officials said the successful payout underscores the agency’s commitment to delivering government aid efficiently and ensuring that financial assistance reaches qualified recipients in a timely manner.

The program is part of ongoing efforts by the national government to cushion transport and delivery workers from economic pressures while sustaining essential services in communities./CCJ, WDJ