A total of 2,093 beneficiaries from Baler, Maria Aurora, San Luis, Dipaculao, Casiguran, Dinalungan, and Dingalan benefited from the program, with over Php10.4 million in assistance distributed province-wide. (Jason de Asis)
BALER, Aurora — A total of 2,093 tricycle drivers across Aurora province received cash assistance from the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) on April 16, 2026, as part of government efforts to support the transport sector affected by rising fuel prices.
In Baler, around 1,672 drivers from the towns of Maria Aurora, San Luis, Dipaculao, and Baler lined up early at the Baler Sports Complex to receive Php5,000 each under the Cash Relief Assistance Program.
A separate distribution was also conducted in Casiguran, Dinalungan, and Dingalan, benefiting an additional 421 tricycle drivers who received the same financial aid.
In total, the program released approximately Php10.465 million in assistance to transport workers province-wide.
The initiative was implemented in line with the directive of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., aiming to cushion the impact of fuel price increases on public transportation operators and drivers.
Officials said the cash aid distribution is part of continuing government interventions to provide immediate relief to vulnerable sectors while broader economic support measures are being implemented. (Jason de Asis)