VALENCIA CITY, BUKIDNON — In a simultaneous payout across two key cities in Bukidnon, the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) distributed cash assistance to 1,456 transport workers on Wednesday, April 8, 2026.
The relief effort is part of the government’s response to the economic strain caused by volatile global oil prices, which have significantly impacted the daily earnings of those in the public transport sector.
The distribution was managed by DSWD Field Office 10 through its Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situations (AICS) program:
- Valencia City: 950 validated tricycle and “motorela” drivers received their aid at the City Hall covered court.
- Malaybalay City: 596 drivers were served at the Casisang covered court.
- Grant Amount: Each qualified beneficiary received a one-time cash grant of ₱5,000.
The rollout is significant as it marks the first large-scale cash assistance for drivers in Bukidnon, where the motorela—a unique local variant of the motorized tricycle—serves as the backbone of public transportation.
- Verification: Drivers were required to present a valid driver’s license to match the masterlist provided by their respective local government units.
- Streamlined Process: To reduce waiting times, help desks were established at each venue, and beneficiaries were allowed to claim their aid at any time during the day regardless of alphabetical order.
Local officials and DSWD representatives emphasized that the distribution strictly followed the “anti-epal” provisions of the 2026 General Appropriations Act.
- No Political Presence: DSWD-10 Information Officer Oliver Inodeo confirmed that no politicians were present at the payout sites.
- Direct Distribution: The policy is strictly enforced to ensure that social protection programs reach beneficiaries without being used for political credit or influence.
This assistance in Bukidnon follows similar successful rollouts in other regions, including the Caraga region and Central Visayas, as the national government continues to deploy its ₱238-billion contingency fund to support vulnerable sectors during the ongoing energy crisis.