Drivers in **MISAMIS ORIENTAL** finally caught a break. On April 8, a total of 2,371 tricycle operators and drivers received ₱5,000 each in cash assistance. The distribution happened in El Salvador City and Gingoog City under the Department of Social Welfare and Development’s Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situations (AICS) program.
This payout formed part of a bigger regional rollout in Northern Mindanao to fight the effects of rising fuel prices on transport workers. Irene Mae Dosol Auxilio, information officer, said the assistance rolled out simultaneously across the region. “This is ₱5,000 cash assistance under the DSWD AICS program para ni siya sa abag-abag tungod sa pagtaas sa presyo sa krudo,” she explained.
Relief Hits Home for Struggling TODA Drivers
Beneficiaries were mainly members of the Tricycle Operators and Drivers Associations (TODA). Auxilio noted payouts covered eight cities in Region 10, including Cagayan de Oro, El Salvador City, and Gingoog City. Target numbers included 1,798 drivers in Gingoog and 884 in El Salvador, with actual recipients at 1,568 and 803 respectively. The program focused only on qualified folks to keep things orderly.
Moreover, officials reminded everyone the cash should help with real needs, not gambling. Drivers expressed huge relief. Ricardo Saburao shared, “Dako akong pasalamat kay naa na may magamit pud namo,” saying it covers food and school expenses amid tight times and high gas costs.
Hope Fuels the Road Ahead
Jacqueline Encabo added that fuel prices slashed her daily earnings, sometimes leaving just ₱400 after gas. “Dako gyud kaayo ni nga tabang, makapalit naman mi ani og bugas ug sud-an,” she said gratefully. She thanked President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and DSWD.
Alexander Lauderes hoped for lower fuel prices soon. “Pasalamat ko nga adunay in-ani nga ayuda,” he noted, using part for rice while dreaming of cheaper gas to ease driver struggles. Overall, this aid brings real support to hardworking TODA members facing the oil crisis.
