The local government in the City of Manila began distributing rice grains free of charge to tricycle and jeepney drivers on April 29, its public information office said on Friday.

Beneficiaries include members of Tricycle Operators and Drivers’ Associations (TODAs) and Jeepney Operators and Drivers’ Associations (JODAs) in Manila.

Each driver received 10 kilos of rice under the “Biyayang Bigas para sa Maynila” program, as directed by Manila Mayor Francisco “Isko” Moreno Domagoso, with the help of the Office of the President.

“Layunin ng programang ito na maibsan ang gastusin ng ating mga tsuper at maiparamdam ang tuloy-tuloy na suporta ng lungsod sa kanilang pang-araw-araw na kabuhayan,” the Manila government said.

On March 27, Mayor Domagoso reached an agreement with 22 JODA presidents to offer free rides to Manila commuters in exchange for government subsidies, which covered public utility jeepney (PUJ) drivers’ fuel and earnings. The program was temporary and lasted only until early April.