Fuel Boost for CDO Cabbies: Marcos' P5K Lifeline Hits the Streets!

COURTESY: PIA 10

Cagayan de Oro City just got a much-needed fuel subsidy wave, and taxi drivers are breathing easier. On April 8, a total of 281 taxi drivers in Cagayan de Oro City received P5,000 each as part of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s directive to help transport workers battling rising fuel prices. The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board Region 10 (LTFRB-10) led the charge under the Department of Transportation (DOTr) program.

Moreover, the initial batch grabbed their cash right away. Those not on the list got a clear nudge: open a GCash or Maya account so the money flows straight to them. LTFRB-10 Regional Director Alexes Joseph Bendijo made sure everyone heard the plan loud and clear.

Taxi Operators Join the Party – Extra Help Rolling In

Bendijo also announced that taxi operators will pocket P2,000 each to keep their daily operations humming smoothly. This creative support keeps wheels turning even when pump prices bite hard. Consequently, drivers feel the direct impact on their pockets and routes.

Furthermore, recipient Nestor Visto shared his relief: the P5,000 will ease fuel expenses amid tough times. He thanked LTFRB and hoped for bigger solutions to the fuel problem. As a result, the program builds real hope on the ground.

LTFRB-10 promises more distributions through on-site cash and electronic transfers. Drivers struggling with e-wallets can simply visit the office for quick help. Thus, the subsidy keeps flowing to those who need it most in Cagayan de Oro City. 

Steering Towards Change: Revamping Taxi Services in Cagayan de Oro City

CREDIT: Cagayan de Oro City Information Office 

In a bid to enhance the quality of taxi services in Cagayan de Oro City, a groundbreaking initiative has been set into motion. This progressive movement is focused on issuing new ID cards to taxi drivers and conducting 'refresher seminars' to polish their skills and improve their contributions to the riding public. The city's taxi drivers are on the verge of a substantial transformation that promises to elevate their roles from mere service providers to ambassadors of customer service excellence.

This four-point initiative was launched following a detailed letter sent by the Land Transportation Franchising Regulatory Board (LTFRB-10) to the 20th City Council's public utilities committee, presided over by Councilor Romeo Calizo. The letter, which was read out during a session by Councilor Malvern Esparcia, was a response to the committee's resolution calling for stricter enforcement of taxi operator requirements.

The LTFRB memorandum is a proactive measure to mitigate the issue of errant taxi drivers. This push towards transparency follows complaints received from taxi passengers regarding the abusive behavior of certain taxi drivers. As Councilor Esparcia aptly pointed out, the actions of a few can tarnish the reputation of the many dedicated and professional taxi drivers who serve the city's public.

The process of issuing new ID cards is a direct step towards ensuring accountability. These ID cards will prominently display the driver's name, photo, and operator information as mandated under the LTFRB's Memorandum Circular 2014-020.

Education plays a crucial role in this transformative journey. Taxi drivers will be required to attend 'refresher academy drivers seminars' aimed at reminding them of the LTFRB-10 rules, specifically the provisions of Memorandum Circular 2014-020. This is a step towards ensuring that every driver is well-versed in the rules and regulations that govern their profession.

In addition to this, the LTFRB-10 has joined forces with taxi operators and the Department of Tourism-10 to conduct seminars focused on improving customer service and satisfaction. The purpose of these seminars is to guide drivers towards providing a service that not only meets but exceeds passenger expectations.

The initiative also addresses the issue of illegal tri-cabs, or bao-baos, which have been detrimentally impacting the livelihood of taxi operators in the city. Director Matuan of Regional LTFRB-10 stated that they are calling for City Hall to intervene and curb these unlawful operations.

The LTFRB-10 has repeatedly voiced its opposition against the commercial operation of bao-bao units in Cagayan de Oro City during council meetings. Councilor Calizo reiterated that these bao-baos should not be allowed to ply national highways, thus ensuring a safer and more organized transportation system.

This four-point initiative is a milestone in the journey towards improving taxi services in Cagayan de Oro City. It is a beacon of hope for taxi drivers and a promise of an enhanced commuting experience for the riding public. This initiative is not just about changing the face of taxi services; it is about reinventing the wheel, one driver at a time. With continued diligence and commitment, the city of Cagayan de Oro is steering towards a future where every ride is a pleasant journey.