1,800 PUV drivers get SAP assistance

CEBU, Philippines —  More than five months since public utility vehicle (PUV) drivers were ordered to stop plying their routes, about 1,800 of them have received emergency subsidies from the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD)’s Social Amelioration Program (SAP).

The data of the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board-7, however, indicated more than 28,000 PUV were forced to stop plying because of the pandemic.

DSWD-7 Assistant Director for Operations Shalaine Marie Lucero said those who received the assistance were drivers whose families were eligible based on SAP guidelines but have not yet claimed assistance from any government agencies and have not been included in the first tranche and as well as those in the waiting list.

Lucero said there might be additional drivers who will receive the SAP emergency subsidy, if they are traced and found out to be eligible for the program.

Meanwhile, Cebu Sixth District Representative Emmarie “Lolypop” Ouano-Dizon also distributed assistance to about 200 displaced jeepney drivers from Mandaue City and from the town of Cordova who are mostly members of the Pinagkaisang Samahan nang mga Tsuper at Operators Nationwide (PISTON).

The driver-beneficiaries received the other day relief goods consisting of rice and ready-to-eat food.

PISTON officials said their members really needed the said assistance since they are part of the sectors that suffered a lot since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, as they were no longer allowed to travel until now.

PISTON officials told Ouano-Dizon they were hoping that public transport, specifically public utility jeepney, would finally be allowed to operate so they can get back their means of livelihood.

She also advised them to be patient since the government is looking for better alternative sources of income that would mostly benefit the marginalized sector including the transport sector.

Ouano-Dizon also expressed her gratitude to Action for Nurturing Children and Environment (ANCE) for collaborating with her in the effort of giving out the assistance.

ANCE is an organization committed to nurture, enhance and protect the interests and wellbeing of children and their families, especially the marginalized ones. — GAN (FREEMAN)