• THERESA MAE DULMAN
At least 500 tricycle drivers in Bacolod City have filed an appeal after being excluded from the fuel subsidy and cash aid distribution of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD).
The distribution for the qualified drivers began April 8 and ended yesterday, along with the cutoff for those who submitted an appeal.
Bacolod Department of Social Service and Development head Dr. Richelle Verdeprado-Mangga said that the names will be submitted to the national government for reconsideration.
The city government has mandated a streamlined process through the Tricycle Operators and Drivers Association (TODA) and required drivers to submit relevant documents including a certification from the TODA president.
Meanwhile, Mangga said that the DSWD is now contacting those who were not able to claim their subsidy to identify their circumstances.
As of press time, 56 tricycle drivers who were qualified have yet to claim their assistance.
The DSSD previously stated that they will set a date of distribution for the unclaimed subsidy.*
