8,800 Caraga tricycle drivers get over P44-M cash relief
TRICYCLE drivers in Caraga receive cash assistance from the government. (DSWD-Caraga FB)
BUTUAN CITY – A total of 8,888 tricycle drivers from six cities in the Caraga region received P44,440,000 in cash relief assistance during one-day simultaneous payout activities conducted by the Department of Social Welfare and Development-13 on Wednesday.
The cash aid aims to provide relief to members of the Tricycle Operators and Drivers’ Associations (TODA) amid the continuing increase in fuel prices.
In a report on Thursday, the DSWD-13 said 1,591 drivers received P7,955,000 in Cabadbaran City, Agusan del Norte; 1,640 drivers got P8,200,000 in Butuan City; and 762 drivers received P3,810,000 in Bayugan City, Agusan del Sur.
The report added that 1,804 drivers received P9,020,000 in Surigao City, Surigao del Norte; 1,846 drivers got P9,230,000 in Bislig City; and 1,245 drivers received P6,225,000 in Tandag City, Surigao del Sur.
Jenely Cubelo, a tricycle driver from Surigao City, thanked the government for the timely assistance.
“Thank you very much for the help. Gasoline is really expensive. Before, P150 worth of fuel could last for three hours, and even if it was tight, we could still recover. Now, even with just a patch-up, P150 worth of fuel only lasts for two hours, just enough to make up for the gasoline,” Cubelo said in her dialect.
Another driver, Angelito Bucio, 68, of Butuan City, noted the effects of the fuel price increases on his livelihood.
“I really have to use what I received for fuel and add it for the renewal of my motorcycle registration. I am thankful for this assistance from the government through the DSWD," Bucio said.
The DSWD-13, in a statement, emphasized that the simultaneous payout showed the government's swift program implementation to ease the burdens caused by increasing fuel prices in the transport sector.
“Regional Director Mari-Flor Dollage has recognized the continued support of the local government units (LGUs) that helped the successful implementation of the program,” the DSWD-13 added.