Friday, 10 April 2026

DepEd school-based personnel thankful for FWA implementation amid fuel price surge

By Niña Jonalyn B. Gambe-Diamante

BUTUAN CITY (PIA) — The Department of Education (DepEd) has issued an amendment to DepEd Memorandum (DM) No. 18, series of 2026, directing all school-based personnel to adopt a flexible work arrangement (FWA). 

Under the scheme, employees will report onsite for four days (Monday to Thursday) and work from home (WFH) every Friday, from April 10 to June 5, 2026.

The decision came a week after the end of school year (EOSY) 2025–2026 on March 31, the last teaching day for teaching personnel before the start of their uninterrupted vacation. 

However, non-teaching and teaching-related personnel were still obliged to report onsite due to their administrative functions.

Project Development Officer I Alona M. Colminas of Buenavista Central Elementary School in Agusan del Norte expressed relief upon learning of the directive, noting how the arrangement responds to their needs.

“Nalipay gyud mi, mga non-teaching personnel, kay finally naa mi ingon-ani nga opportunity. Mura bitaw ug breath of fresh air, knowing nga nakita pud mi ug nga dili lang man diay teachers ang working force sa DepEd. Naa paman diay non-teaching [personnel],” she said.

(We, non-teaching personnel, are very happy since finally, we have been given this kind of opportunity. It’s like a breath of fresh air for us knowing that we are seen and that people realize that DepEd’s workforce is not only composed of teachers, but us non-teaching personnel, as well.)

She also emphasized that the new work arrangement is a ‘win-win’ solution because this will be a big help to workers like her, as they can save money on transportation. The WFH scheme, in turn, will also help the school conserve energy and other utilities.

For School Head Carolyn Mayuga of the Butuan City SPED Center, the implementation of the FWA is a much-welcomed initiative by the DepEd since, besides the economic benefits it brings to their personnel, such an arrangement also has its health and environmental benefits.

“Based on our assessment, the one-day WFH will produce several positive results such as reduced commuting expenses and fuel consumption, lower exposure to traffic stress and fatigue, more time for instructional preparation and personal well-being, and environmental benefits through reduced carbon emissions,” she elaborated.

Mayuga likewise highlighted that as a leader, she understands the clamor of her subordinates in such a time of crisis. And so, upon hearing of the amended department order, she was more than happy to announce it to her colleagues.

“Since we are already gearing toward the digitalization of our processes, the WFH arrangement every Friday will no longer be an issue for us in terms of the timely submission of our deliverables.  We have already started to shift to paperless transactions, such as online reporting and the use of e-signatures. Virtual meetings have also been very useful for us. We just have this mutual agreement among ourselves to make sure that we are reachable whenever needed,” she further added.

With the ongoing fuel surge affecting household budgets and daily commutes, the FWA has become a source of relief for DepEd’s school-based personnel. By easing financial strain and supporting well-being, the initiative underscores the agency’s commitment to sustaining productivity while responding to the needs of its workforce in challenging times. (NJGD, PIA Caraga)

Friday, 10 April 2026

Gov’t cash aid reaches over 3,400 Surigao Sur drivers

By Nida Grace P. Barcena

TANDAG CITY, Surigao del Sur (PIA) — In response to the ongoing energy and fuel crisis affecting public transportation nationwide, the government rolled out cash relief assistance to public utility vehicle (PUV) drivers in Tandag City and Bislig City on Wednesday, April 8, as part of a nationwide effort to ease the financial burden on affected workers.

The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Caraga distributed ₱5,000 cash relief assistance to qualified public utility vehicle drivers, including tricycle drivers under tricycle operators and drivers associations (TODA).

In Surigao del Sur, payout activities took place at the City Parkshed, City Hall compound in Barangay Awasian in Tandag City, and at the Poblacion gymnasium in Bislig City, benefiting drivers directly affected by rising fuel costs.

A total of 3,418 public utility drivers in Surigao del Sur are targeted to receive the assistance, including 1,349 beneficiaries in Tandag City and 2,069 beneficiaries in Bislig City, reflecting the scale of government support extended to transport workers in the province.

According to Chrislea Celeste, DSWD Caraga division chief, the assistance targets public utility drivers whose livelihoods have been significantly impacted by rising fuel prices. “Ang mga beneficiaries sa cash relief assistance ang mga public utility vehicle drivers: motor, jeep, ug bus drivers nga naapektuhan sa kasamtangang sitwasyon,” Celeste said.

(The beneficiaries of the cash relief assistance are public utility vehicle drivers: motorcycle, jeepney, and bus drivers – who are affected by the current situation).

She added that in Tandag City, the assistance specifically covers tricycle drivers under TODA. “We are specifically providing ₱5,000 to the TODA today here in Tandag City.”

Celeste also noted that the payout conducted on April 8 forms part of a synchronized nationwide distribution effort.

“The conduct today nahitabo sa tanang siyudad sa Region ug sa tibuok nasud. (The activity conducted today is being carried out in all cities in the region and across the entire country),” she said. 

While there are currently no specific instructions regarding additional payout schedules in Tandag City, Celeste said future distributions remain possible as the government continues to assess the needs of other public utility drivers.

“As to kanus-a or naa pa ba musunod, pwede tang moingon nga naa, pero dili pa ta kaestorya og specific, kay naa pa man tay public utility drivers sa mga munisipyo. (As to when or whether there will be additional payouts, we can say that there may be, but we cannot provide specific details yet because there are still public utility drivers in the municipalities who may be considered),” she explained.

Voices of beneficiaries

Beneficiaries expressed gratitude for the timely assistance, noting its direct impact on their daily livelihood.

Walter Olayon, one of the recipients, shared his appreciation for the government’s continued support for transport workers.

“Dako ko og pasalamat sa atong gobyerno nga wala gayud pasagdi ug nag-atiman gayud sa mga drivers. Sa DSWD usab nga maabtikon kaayo sa paghatag og ayuda,” Olayon said.

(I am very thankful to our government for never neglecting and truly taking care of drivers. I am also grateful to DSWD for being very proactive in assisting).

He added that the financial aid will help improve his livelihood and support his family. “Kini nga kwarta gamiton nako sa pagpaayo sa akong motor ingon man usab kung naay sobra makapalit og konsumo para sa ako pamilya. (I will use this money to repair my motorcycle, and if there is any remaining amount, I will use it to buy basic needs for my family.”

Another beneficiary, Julius Mainit, a tricycle driver from Tandag City, said the assistance provides much-needed relief amid rising fuel costs.

“Dako kaayo kini nga tabang sa ako isip usa ka tricycle driver, labina karun nga grabeh ang pagsaka sa presyo sa lana. Sa tinuod lang usahay maglisud gayud ko og pasada kay kulang ang kita para makapalit og gasolina,” Mainit said.

(This is a big help for me as a tricycle driver, especially now that fuel prices have increased sharply. Honestly, there are times when I struggle to operate because my earnings are not enough to buy gasoline).

He added that the assistance helps sustain his daily operations. “Maong dako gyud kini nga kahupayan sa akong adlaw-adlaw nga paningkamot, kay makatabang kini pagpatubil sa akong motor aron makapadayon ko sa pagpamasada.”

(This brings great relief to my daily efforts because it will help fuel my motorcycle so I can continue earning a living).

Government response to fuel crisis

The cash relief distribution is part of the national government’s immediate response to the continuing fuel and energy crisis, which has significantly increased transportation costs and reduced the daily earnings of public utility drivers across the country.

Public utility drivers remain among the most vulnerable sectors during fuel price surges, as rising operating costs directly reduce their take-home income. The ₱5,000 assistance aims to help cushion daily expenses, sustain livelihood operations, and ensure the continued delivery of essential transport services to communities.

Strengthening support for transport workers

The distribution in Surigao del Sur reflects the government’s broader commitment to supporting transport workers who play a vital role in maintaining mobility and economic activity in both urban and rural areas.

By extending direct financial assistance to PUV drivers, the national government aims to help stabilize household income, sustain public transportation services, and mitigate the impact of rising fuel costs on daily commuters.

As payout activities were conducted simultaneously across the country, initiatives like this demonstrate how targeted interventions help protect vulnerable sectors, sustain essential services, and strengthen resilience among transport workers amid ongoing economic and energy-related challenges. (NGPB, PIA Surigao del Sur)

Friday, 10 April 2026

More than 1.8K Butuan tricycle drivers receive DSWD’s cash aid

By Mariesh F. Celedeña

BUTUAN CITY (PIA) — More than 1,800 tricycle drivers in Butuan City received the one-time P5,000 cash relief assistance from the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), in coordination with the city government, on April 8.

Beneficiaries expressed gratitude for the cash relief assistance, saying it will help them cope with daily expenses amid rising fuel prices.

“Thank you very much for the P5,000 cash relief assistance that we received today. This will be used for our needs and livelihood in the coming days,” said Teodoro Balbuena, a tricycle driver from Villa Kananga, this city.

Balbuena added that it will help secure their family’s necessities, saying, “Our food, especially rice, is now assured. Thank you very much to the government.”

Butuan City served as one of the six payout sites in the region for the cash relief assistance under the DSWD’s Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situation (AICS), with distribution conducted in Barangay Doongan. 

The initiative aims to ease the financial burden of tricycle drivers, whose incomes have been significantly reduced by soaring fuel prices. 

To ensure a smooth and efficient payout, the DSWD Caraga and the city government of Butuan simplified the requirements. Beneficiaries were only required to present their driver’s enrollment program (DEP) ID and their current driver’s license for verification.

Local officials assured that the process was organized and transparent, ensuring that assistance reached the intended recipients.

The city government of Butuan also vowed to continue working closely with the DSWD Caraga to expand the program’s reach and provide further support to more drivers affected by economic challenges. (MFC, PIA Caraga)

Friday, 10 April 2026

DSWD distributes cash relief assistance to Surigao City tricycle drivers 

By Susil D. Ragas

SURIGAO CITY, Surigao del Norte (PIA) — The Department of Social Welfare and Development Caraga has distributed Cash Relief Assistance (CRA) to tricycle drivers in Surigao City amid soaring fuel prices. 

A total of 1,802 members of the tricycle operators and drivers association (TODA) in the city received P5,000 cash each during the distribution held in Barangay San Juan.

According to DSWD Caraga, the cash aid distribution is in accordance with the directive of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. to support transport workers affected by the ongoing oil price hike stemming from the conflict in the Persian Gulf region. 

“DSWD Caraga rolled out the cash assistance simultaneously in Butuan City, Cabadbaran City, Agusan del Norte; Bayugan City, del Sur; Surigao City of Surigao del Norte, in partnership with the local government units to ensure an orderly and efficient payout.”

One of the TODA members named Rogelio thanked DSWD Caraga for the cash relief assistance he received. 

“Hindi po biro ang pinagdadaanan naming mga nasa pasada ngayon. Halos kalahati ng kinikita namin sa buong araw ay napupunta lang sa gasolina, kaya ang natitira para sa pagkain at pangangailangan ng aming pamilya ay talagang kulang na kulang. Ang tulong na ito ay hindi lang pera para sa amin—ito ay pag-asa na hindi kami nakakalimutan sa gitna ng hirap ng buhay.”

(The challenge that we experience now in the transport sector is not easy. Almost half of our daily earnings go to costly fuel, and little is left for food and family necessities, which is not enough. The help that we receive today is not just money, but hope that we, drivers, are not forgotten in these trying times.)

Meanwhile, in a decisive move to shield its most vulnerable sectors from the relentless surge in global oil prices, the provincial government of Surigao del Norte officially announced the implementation of strict austerity measures across all Capitol departments. 

Governor Robert Lyndon S. Barbers said in a press briefing that the savings generated from these measures have culminated in a ₱30 million relief fund dedicated to immediate cash assistance for the transport and agricultural sectors.

“The provincial government assures the public that while austerity measures are in place, basic social services and emergency response capabilities will remain fully funded and operational.” Gov. Barbers said. (SDR, PIA Surigao del Norte)

Friday, 10 April 2026

Over 15k Caraga tricycle drivers receive DSWD fuel subsidy 

By Niña Jonalyn B. Gambe-Diamante

BUTUAN CITY (PIA) — “Makapa-full tank na gyud ko. Salamat, DSWD! (I can finally have a full tank for my tricycle. Thank you, DSWD!)” This was the joyful reaction of Alberto Burdeos Jr., a tricycle driver from Butuan City, after receiving P5,000 cash relief assistance from the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Caraga on April 8.

Burdeos shared that before the fuel price surge, he earned around P600 to P700 daily. Today, his income has dropped to just P300 or P400—nearly half of what he used to bring home.

“This P5,000 given by the DSWD is a big help for drivers like me. Aside from being able to fill my tricycle’s tank today, I also have money left to buy food and other necessities for my family. Many thanks to the DSWD and our government,” Burdeos added.

The nationwide payout was conducted under the directive of President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr., providing urgent support to tricycle drivers affected by soaring fuel prices linked to the ongoing Middle East crisis.

The cash relief assistance is funded by the DSWD’s Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situations (AICS) program, which provides immediate financial and material aid to people facing emergencies.

In Caraga, the pilot rollout covered six cities: Butuan, Cabadbaran, Bayugan, Surigao, Bislig, and Tandag. A total of 15,265 eligible beneficiaries were included in the master list, finalized in coordination with local government units (LGUs) and local social welfare and development offices (LSWDOs).

“We do not want to cause hassle to our tricycle drivers, which is why we simplified the requirements. First, they must be included in the list of duly registered drivers in their respective LGUs. Second, they need to bring their professional driver’s license during the payout,” explained Jean Paul S. Parajes, assistant regional director for operations of DSWD Caraga.

Parajes also clarified that, as directed by DSWD Secretary Sherwin Gatchalian, payouts will be conducted in batches—starting with the cities, followed by municipalities—to ensure a smooth and orderly distribution process.

“While this cash assistance may be deemed as a short-term solution to the ongoing crisis, the government came up with this to immediately respond to the outcry of the people, especially our tricycle drivers, who were among the first to experience the effects of the crisis,” added Parajes.

The cash subsidy is only one of several interventions being implemented as authorities listen to the concerns of affected sectors. (NJGD, PIA Caraga)