Calbayog LGU Covers Fuel Price Hike for Tricycle Drivers

Posted on Mar. 23, 2026 at 2:56 am

CALBAYOG CITY — To alleviate the impact of increasing fuel costs, the Local Government Unit of Calbayog has established a fuel subsidy program for Tricycle Operators and Drivers Associations (TODA) to provide immediate assistance to local transport operators.

Calbayog Mayor Raymund “Monmon” Uy had talks with the management of Petron on March 17 to finalize the program’s implementation.

Petron stations in Tinambacan, Cagsalaosao, Capoocan, Obrero, and Carayman were selected as official partners for the subsidy program.

Under this initiative, drivers will maintain the previous benchmark gasoline price of ₱58 per liter, which was in place before the recent Middle East crisis.  The City Government of Calbayog will cover the additional costs resulting from the global fuel price increase, offering tangible relief to TODA members.

Vice Mayor Rex Daguman of Calbayog City in an interview on March 18, emphasized the impact of fuel price hikes on tricycle drivers, who play a crucial role in local transportation.

`Through this program, we aim to ensure that they can sustain their livelihood without bearing the full brunt of rising global oil prices,’ Daguman said.

The program commenced on March 18, providing fuel allocations to TODA groups from Ipao, Gadgaran, Trinidad, Oquendo, Tarabucan, Pilar, Tinambacan and Sta Margarita.

Daily fuel allocations for motorized tricycles were determined as follows:

Sabang – 5 liters/day, Oquendo – 9 liters/day, Tarabucan – 12 liters/day,

Ipao – 6 liters/day, Pilar – 8 liters/day, Tinambacan – 7 liters/day, Sta. Margarita – 8 liters/day.

Vice Mayor Daguman emphasized that only registered operators would be eligible for the subsidy, ensuring fairness among TODA members.

The Local Price Coordinating Council (LPCC) recommended Petron as the supplier due to its consistently low fuel prices in the city.

“We are listening to their concerns, and the City Government is committed to helping and continuing their service to the community. No driver should be left behind due to global circumstances beyond our control,” Daguman said.

He reiterated the importance of compliance and fairness, stating, `Only registered operators will benefit from the subsidy. Colorum units are not included to ensure that assistance reaches accredited operators serving our community safely.’

Furthermore, the LGU of Calbayog participated in a virtual briefing on the oil supply crisis organized by the Department of Energy (DOE).

“The global energy situation is challenging, but we are taking proactive steps to protect our citizens and the local economy,” Daguman said. “Being informed and coordinated with national agencies allows us to make timely decisions that directly benefit our people.”

With the fuel subsidy program in place, Calbayog TODA drivers will be shielded from sudden price spikes, while the LGU continues to collaborate with transport operators and national authorities to address the challenges posed by the ongoing global fuel crisis.

(Photo credit: Mayor Raymund “Monmon” Uy)