MANILA, Philippines — Hundreds of motorcycle taxi and delivery riders flocked to payout centers in Quezon City and Makati City on Saturday, April 18, as they lined up for government cash assistance distributed by the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD).
Long queues were observed around the Quezon Memorial Circle, where riders waited under the heat for their turn to receive financial aid. Some were seen using improvised coverings such as cartons to shield themselves from the sun.
In Makati, the line of beneficiaries stretched for more than three kilometers along Zobel Roxas Street, leading to the Makati Coliseum, another designated payout site.
The assistance forms part of the government’s relief program for transport workers affected by ongoing global challenges, including the Middle East crisis. Each qualified beneficiary is set to receive ₱5,000 in aid.
The DSWD clarified that the payout specifically targets motorcycle taxi and delivery riders who were not included in earlier beneficiary lists submitted by transport network companies (TNCs).
Other payout venues identified by the agency include the Caloocan Sports Complex and TLC Park Concert Grounds in Taguig City, as part of a broader effort to accommodate thousands of transport workers across Metro Manila.
The agency has also scheduled additional payout days, with another round for motorcycle taxi and delivery riders set on Sunday, April 19.
Despite the assistance, some riders previously reported difficulties in claiming the benefit due to issues in listing and scheduling, with others going home empty-handed after long waits.
DSWD, meanwhile, defended its requirement for beneficiaries to appear in person, saying the process ensures proper verification and prevents fraudulent claims. The agency added that it plans to transition to a digital distribution system in the future to streamline the release of aid.
“We want to make sure beneficiaries are properly validated so that when we shift to digital systems, distribution will be easier,” a DSWD spokesperson said.
The cash assistance is part of ongoing government efforts to support transport workers struggling with rising fuel costs and economic pressures.
