The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) has partnered with Maya to digitally distribute fuel subsidies to eligible public utility vehicle (PUV) drivers and operators as the government expands the use of digital channels for social assistance programs amid rising fuel prices.
Under the government’s Fuel Subsidy Program, beneficiaries can receive assistance directly through the Maya app. The digital disbursement channel complements existing government payout mechanisms while reducing reliance on manual or over-the-counter distribution.
The initiative forms part of broader government efforts to help cushion the transport sector from elevated fuel prices and continuing market volatility linked to tensions in the Middle East.
Eligible beneficiaries include operators and drivers of public utility jeepneys (PUJs), UV Express units, taxis, and minibuses. Maya said it has already completed the first batch of subsidy disbursements.
Beneficiary validation and identification continue to be handled by the relevant government agencies, including the LTFRB, to support transparency and ensure assistance reaches qualified recipients.
“Digital disbursement helps make the release of assistance more efficient and accessible for our transport sector beneficiaries, while also supporting broader efforts to modernize public service delivery,” said Atty. Vigor D. Mendoza II, chairperson of the LTFRB.
Supporting Financial Inclusion
Maya said digital disbursements also provide beneficiaries with digital accounts that can be used for savings, bills payment, credit, insurance, and everyday cashless transactions, helping broaden financial access among transport workers.
“Beyond enabling faster and more convenient access to government assistance, digital accounts can also help transport workers participate more fully in the digital economy through tools such as savings, credit and cashless transactions,” said Shailesh Baidwan, group president of Maya and co-founder of Maya Bank.
Expanding Digital Government Services
According to Maya, the collaboration reflects the growing adoption of digital financial platforms in government disbursement programs as agencies continue to improve the speed, efficiency, and accessibility of aid distribution.
The initiative also builds on earlier collaborations between Maya and transport sector stakeholders, including previous LTFRB fuel subsidy disbursements during the pandemic. Beyond subsidy programs, Maya also supports digital payments for transport-related government services, including the LTFRB Franchise Online Application System and Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA) traffic violation payments.