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)
