Fuel Relief Reaches Kalibo TODA Members, Expands Into Broader Transport Subsidy Push

By Chantal Jade V. Tolores

KALIBO, Aklan- For tricycle drivers in Kalibo, the daily price of fuel determines whether their hard work results in profit or loss, making each price hike a critical threat to their livelihood.

This situation prompted government intervention that delivered financial relief to thousands of transport workers.

Local Legislative Action on Fuel Assistance Gaps

In response to these concerns, Kalibo Sangguniang Bayan Member Matt Aaron Peren Guzman, Chairperson of the Committee on Transportation, Public Utilities, and Energy, took formal and legislative actions to address gaps in the implementation of fuel assistance.

He authored a resolution respectfully requesting President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Romualdez Marcos Jr. to provide fuel subsidy assistance to registered tricycle franchise holders, operators, and drivers in Kalibo during the 37th Regular Session on March 17. The resolution served as the municipality’s official appeal for national government intervention in response to rising fuel costs affecting the transport sector.

DSWD Fuel Assistance Release and Initial Coverage

A total of 2,389 registered beneficiaries, composed of tricycle franchise holders, operators, and drivers in Kalibo, received ₱5,000 each under the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Field Office VI cash relief assistance program for the transport sector.

For beneficiaries, the payout provided immediate relief, helping cover fuel expenses, household needs, vehicle maintenance, and other daily costs intensified by rising fuel prices.

However, alongside appreciation from recipients, concerns were raised by transport workers who were not included in the initial list of beneficiaries.

Although the assistance primarily covered members of the Tricycle Operators and Drivers’ Association (TODA), several legitimate franchise holders, operators, and drivers were excluded because the TODA association presidents inadvertently failed to include them in the list forwarded to the Municipal Social Welfare and Development Office (MSWDO), resulting in their exclusion from the submitted listing.

Addressing Exclusion and Administrative Gaps

As Guzman stated in a radio interview over Barangay RU 92.9 Super Radyo Kalibo, coordination gaps between the Office of the Sangguniang Bayan (OSB), the Kalibo TODA Federation President, and the MSWDO contributed to the exclusion of several legitimate beneficiaries in the initial payout.

To address the concern, he sent a letter of appeal to DSWD VI Regional Director Joselito G. Estember on April 20.

Support from Aklan 1st District Congressman Jesus “Papa Jess” R. Marquez helped also elevate transport sector concerns to national agencies. Marquez personally followed up with Director Estember, which resulted in a positive action from the office and the scheduling of a supplemental payout for additional beneficiaries on May 6.

Through these measures, Guzman positioned the Local Government Unit of Kalibo as an active advocate in elevating transport sector concerns from local administrative issues to national policy attention, while responding directly to gaps in the initial distribution of assistance.

Beyond Immediate Assistance

“Uwa eon it mawigit kara kasi gin taw-an gid it chance ro mga uwa nakabaton it financial assistance ag raya hay gin tinguhaan gid ni SB Matt Guzman, sa bulig man ni Cong. Jess Marquez,” Romeo D. Tubalinal Jr., Kalibo TODA Federation President said, who expressed his thanks and relief.

For his part, Antonio Nama, President of KAPETTODA, personally thanked Guzman for the initiative, describing it as a solution to their worries.

“Gina pa abot ko gid ro akong pasaeamat sa pag-apila ni Sir Matt, sa pagbulig kamon nga mapatigayon ro dayang payout agud makabaton man ro mga uwa nakabaton,” Nama said.

As Kalibo transitions toward a more expanded fuel subsidy system, transport workers now anticipate a framework that not only provides assistance but also ensures that legitimate operators are accurately identified and fairly included.

In a sector where fuel costs directly determine livelihood stability, public assistance must not only reach the many but also ensure that those too often left out of official lists are no longer overlooked.