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)
