DSWD Caraga distributes P5K aid to 489 tricycle drivers of Prosperidad, Agusan Sur
By Kelvin Kennt R. Generalo
PROSPERIDAD, Agusan del Sur (PIA) — Following the directive of President Ferdinand ‘Bongbong’ Marcos Jr., the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Caraga continued its cash relief assistance (CRA) distribution to vulnerable sectors, particularly tricycle drivers, public utility vehicle (PUV) drivers, and delivery riders, who were among those most affected by rising fuel prices.
Prosperidad, one of the municipalities in Agusan del Sur, simultaneously released the CRA on April 16, along with other municipalities nationwide.
Genus P. Juanich, a 55-year-old beneficiary from Brgy. San Lorenzo, Prosperidad, Agusan del Sur, expressed his gratitude for the CRA he received from the government.
“I am truly thankful to the government, through the DSWD, for the cash relief assistance we received. We may still have the passengers, but gasoline prices have soared beyond what we can afford. We are very thankful today because the government has provided something for us,” said Juanich.
“First things first, I would have to buy rice and fuel. I will also give some of it to my child, who has not been qualified for cash assistance because his family also needs help,” he added.
The distribution of assistance was well organized through the local government unit (LGU) of Prosperidad, led by Municipal Social Welfare and Development Officer Clarilin P. Santa.
“First, we conducted a coordination meeting with the Business Permit and Licensing Office (BPLO), the Mayor’s Office, through the Office of the Municipal Administrator, the Municipal Social Welfare and Development Office (MSWDO), and the 32 barangay captains. We reviewed the payroll, segregated it per barangay, and coordinated with the social officer of the DSWD Caraga Field Office regarding the requirements,” said Santa.
“Aside from coordinating with the barangay captains, we also utilized our social media platforms, especially for those who were not able to attend the meetings. We posted the requirements, as well as the date, time, and venue of the distribution,” she added.
MSWD Officer Santa also explained that some listed drivers had issues with their requirements, such as lost IDs. She has already coordinated with the DSWD Caraga Field Office for alternative options so they can still claim their subsidy.
She further emphasized that through the combined efforts of the MSWD Office staff and BPLO, they were able to systematize the distribution process.
Michael John B. Andohuyan, social worker III from DSWD Caraga Field Office, also cited the program’s purpose for beneficiaries, especially during this time of crisis.
“What we are doing today is the release of funds based on the mandate of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., with the effort of DSWD Secretary Rex Gatchalian. This distribution is called Cash Relief Assistance (CRA). All qualified beneficiaries are those endorsed by the local government units through the City Traffic and Transport Management Department (CTTMD) or the BPLO, since we do not have the capacity to provide the list,” said Andohuyan.
“The process involves de-duplication, a procedure of checking and removing duplicate names across lists from other municipalities to avoid double receiving of benefits. Those qualified are legitimate registered drivers and driver-operators. This means that if you are only an operator or owner of units, you are not qualified,” he added.
In all of Agusan del Sur, 2,065 beneficiaries across 10 municipalities received their cash assistance simultaneously, with a total allocation of P10 million. In Prosperidad, the allocation amounts to P2.5 million for 513 beneficiaries. He also reminded all drivers that they will receive P5,000 in total with no deductions from anyone.
Out of the 513 beneficiary drivers, 489 have already claimed their CRA during the scheduled release in the municipality. Those who were unable to claim their assistance are required to complete their requirements and proceed to the DSWD satellite office in Patin-ay, Prosperidad, Agusan del Sur, to claim their benefits. (KKRG, PIA Agusan del Sur)
