More than 100,000 delivery riders in Metro Manila have received financial assistance as the government ramps up support measures amid the ongoing fuel crisis.

The Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) announced that 103,848 delivery riders were granted ₱5,000 each under the Cash Relief Assistance (CRA) program, in coordination with the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD).

The initiative was carried out following a directive from President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to ensure that affected sectors, particularly in transport and logistics, receive immediate support amid rising fuel prices.

DICT worked closely with Private Express and/or Messengerial Delivery Services (PEMEDES) operators to validate beneficiary lists, which were then submitted to the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) and DSWD for processing and distribution.

In addition, DICT Secretary Henry Aguda announced the extension of the amnesty program for unregistered or “colorum” operators until June 30, 2026. The move aims to encourage operators to legitimize their businesses and gain access to government assistance.

“Our PEMEDES operators and their delivery riders are the backbone of our modern commerce. By extending this amnesty, we are not just enforcing regulation; we are opening doors for more operators and riders to benefit from government support,” Aguda said.

The program forms part of broader efforts to cushion the impact of the fuel crisis on essential service providers and ensure continuity in delivery and logistics operations.