LUCENA CITY, Quezon — A total of 2,113 members of the Tricycle Operators and Drivers Associations (TODA) in Lucena City received ₱5,000 in cash relief assistance from the Department of Social Welfare and Development on April 8 at the New Evacuation Center in Barangay Mayao Crossing.

The financial aid was distributed under the government’s Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situation (AICS) program, aimed at helping transport workers cope with the continuing rise in petroleum prices. For many tricycle drivers, whose income depends on daily operations, the increasing cost of fuel has significantly reduced their earnings and made it more difficult to sustain their livelihood.

The distribution was carried out with the support of various city government offices, including the Special Project Unit and the City Social Welfare and Development Office, ensuring an organized and efficient process. Local leaders, including Mark Alcala and Roderick Alcala, also expressed their full support for the initiative, emphasizing the importance of assisting sectors most affected by economic challenges.

According to the agency, this is only part of a broader rollout, with a target of reaching up to 8,022 tricycle operators and drivers in Lucena on scheduled distribution dates extending through April 10, 14, and 15.

While the assistance provides immediate relief, it also brings attention to the ongoing struggles faced by transport workers. Rising fuel costs continue to outpace income, leaving many drivers dependent on temporary support programs. Though helpful, such measures highlight the need for more sustainable solutions that can protect livelihoods in the long run.

As aid continues to be distributed, one question remains: Will short-term financial assistance be enough to support transport workers, or is a more lasting solution needed to secure their future?

(Larawan mula: PIO - City Of Lucena)