CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY — Cash assistance and fuel subsidies have begun reaching transport drivers in Northern Mindanao, offering immediate relief as oil prices climb amid ongoing tensions in the Middle East.

On Wednesday, April 8, the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) and the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) in Region 10 started distributing financial aid to drivers affected by rising fuel costs.

Initial data showed that LTFRB-10 released ₱5,000 fuel subsidies to more than 281 taxi drivers, funded by the Department of Transportation (DOTr). The assistance is part of the government’s short-term response to cushion the impact of volatile fuel prices on the transport sector.

But drivers say the aid, while helpful, is not enough to sustain daily operations.

Read also: P7K aid gives brief relief to motorela drivers

Judito Entero of Barra, Opol, a taxi driver since 2007 and board director of the Golden Friendship Cooperative, said the subsidy will be split between fuel and food—two essentials now competing for limited income.

“Dako kini nga ikatabang kay empty na gyud ang gasolina sa among mga taxi. Unta consistent na kini nga ayuda para makatabang sa mga driver. Tunga gyud ni gasolina ug bugas,” Entero said.

His appeal echoes a broader sentiment among drivers: immediate aid helps, but consistent and long-term solutions are needed to stabilize the sector.

LTFRB-10 Regional Director Alexes Joseph Bendijo assured that distribution will continue, with subsidies to be sent directly through GCash or PayMaya for faster processing.

He also urged drivers who have yet to receive assistance to register for e-wallet accounts.

“Mahatagan tanan—no one will be left behind. GCash or PayMaya, idiretso na sa ila. Katong wala na-text, paghimo gyud mog inyong account,” Bendijo said.

Meanwhile, more than 1,346 motorela drivers also received fuel subsidies from DSWD-10 on the same day, widening the reach of the program.

As distribution continues, the challenge remains for both government and the transport sector: how to move beyond stopgap aid and address the long-term impact of recurring fuel price hikes—an issue affecting not only drivers, but also commuters and the broader local economy.