Over 1.6K Cabadbaran City tricycle drivers, operators get fuel relief aid
By Nora L. Molde
Drivers in Cabadbaran City, Agusan del Norte, receive their P5,000 each as cash assistance from the Department of Social Welfare and Development on April 8, 2026, as part of the national initiative under President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to support transport workers affected by rising fuel prices. (Photo courtesy of DSWD Caraga)
BUTUAN CITY (PIA) — Over 1,600 tricycle drivers, operators, and associations in Cabadbaran City, Agusan del Norte received their initial payout of P5,000 each under the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Cash Relief Assistance program on April 8.
The assistance aims to help drivers cope with the continued oil price hikes, in fulfillment of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s directive to the Department of Transportation to provide immediate support to transport workers affected by high fuel costs.
“This assistance will help us cope with the increasing cost of fuel,” said Ricky C. Dolero, a Cabadbaran City driver. “I will use part of the money for gasoline and the rest for rice and other household needs.”
Governor Ma. Angelica Rosedell M. Amante highlighted the government’s commitment to the transport sector: “We recognize the vital role of our drivers in serving the public. This cash assistance is part of our coordinated effort to ease their burden during these challenging times.”
Congressman Dale B. Corvera added, “This initiative demonstrates how national and local governments can work together responsively. Ensuring our drivers are assisted is critical to sustaining mobility and livelihood in Caraga.”
The cash relief assistance provides P5,000 per qualified driver and targets tricycle operators and drivers, jeepney operators and drivers, PUV drivers, motorcycle taxi and delivery riders whose livelihoods are affected by rising fuel prices.
Beneficiaries are certified by their respective local government units and required to present a valid driver’s license to claim the cash.
Distribution is conducted at designated payout sites coordinated with LGUs to ensure smooth and orderly release. The Cabadbaran City payout is part of a broader rollout covering other Caraga cities, including Butuan, Surigao, Bayugan, and Bislig, reaching over 9,000 drivers in the region and hundreds of thousands nationwide, in line with PBBM’s directive to support transport workers amid escalating fuel costs. (NCLM, PIA Agusan del Norte)
