A total of 3,012 members of Tricycle Operators and Drivers’ Associations (TODA) in this town received financial assistance from the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) at the Mamerto C. Bernardo Memorial Central School on Wednesday.

Pandi Municipal Social Welfare and Development Officer Erwin Vicente said each beneficiary received PHP5,000 in cash aid through the Cash Relief Assistance program to help offset the impact of rising fuel prices, allowing tricycle drivers to sustain their daily operations despite ongoing economic pressures.

“Nilalayon ng tulong na maibsan ang mga epekto ng kasalukuyang mga hamon sa enerhiya na nauugnay sa mga tensyon sa Gitnang Silangan, na nag-ambag sa pagtaas ng mga gastos sa gasolina (The aid aims to ease the effects of current energy challenges linked to tensions in the Middle East, which contributed to rising fuel costs),” Vicente added.

Beneficiaries expressed gratitude for the timely intervention. Mario Domingo, president of the Patubig, Bunsura, Malibong Bata TODA, said the aid is vital for both his livelihood and his family’s daily needs.

“Thank you very much to President Bongbong Marcos, Mayor Rico Roque, and the DSWD. This is a huge help for us because of the more-than-double increase in gasoline prices. I will use this for gasoline, food, and household expenses,” Domingo said.

Roque thanked the local teams and volunteers of the Municipal Social Welfare and Development (MSWD) and local government who worked tirelessly to make the distribution successful.

The cash aid was part of the DSWD’s Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situation (AICS) program, he added. (PNA)