Some 2,800 tricycle drivers in Surigao City received fuel subsidies on Labor Day, May 1, 2026, in a program designed to ease the impact of rising fuel costs on public utility vehicle operators. The initiative, spearheaded by the local government in partnership with national agencies, provided much-needed relief to the city’s tricycle transport sector.
The fuel subsidy distribution was held at the Surigao City Sports Complex, where qualified tricycle drivers lined up to receive their financial assistance. Local government officials emphasized the importance of the city’s tricycle drivers as essential partners in public transportation, particularly in connecting barangays and tourist destinations throughout Surigao City.
Tricycle drivers play a vital role in Surigao City’s transportation network, serving as the primary mode of transport in many residential areas and providing access to key locations including the Surigao City Port, public markets, schools, and hospitals. The subsidy program recognizes their contribution while helping stabilize fare prices for commuting residents.
The Labor Day fuel subsidy is part of broader efforts by the Surigao City government to support public utility vehicle operators amid fluctuating global fuel prices. Previous initiatives have included discounted registration fees, maintenance assistance programs, and skills training for tricycle drivers looking to diversify their income sources.
Beneficiaries expressed gratitude for the timely assistance, noting that fuel costs represent their biggest operational expense. Many drivers rely on daily earnings to support their families, making any increase in fuel prices immediately impactful on their livelihood.
The Surigao City local government has committed to exploring sustainable transport solutions and continued support mechanisms for the city’s public utility vehicle sector as part of its inclusive urban development agenda.