Manila, April 8 -- The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) 11 (Davao Region) confirmed on Wednesday that 9,819 drivers of traditional jeepneys, Filcabs, and modernized jeepneys will begin receiving aid under the Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situation (AICS) program starting April 21.

LTFRB-11 Director Nonito Llanos III explained that the national government has two aid programs to help public utility drivers and operators manage rising operational costs - the AICS, which provides direct financial aid of PHP5,000 per driver, and the fuel subsidy program of the Department of Transportation (DOTr).

"For the AICS, we already submitted the list to the central office for validation, and it will be forwarded to ...