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)
