PUJ drivers get rice aid from Capitol

CEBU, Philippines — For public utility jeepney (PUJ) drivers battered by rising fuel prices, a 10-kilogram sack of rice has become more than just food—it is a measure of survival.

The Cebu Provincial Government yesterday began distributing rice assistance to drivers, many of whom say their daily earnings have dwindled to almost nothing.

Among them was 80-year-old Roberto Martinez, a native of Dumanjug, Cebu, who has spent decades driving just to make ends meet.

“Asa naman lang tawn ko ani?” Martinez told the media.

Martinez said the continued increase in fuel prices has taken a heavy toll on his livelihood, leaving him with barely anything to bring home.

Now staying in Banawa, he made every effort to reach the Capitol grounds to receive the assistance.

Determined not to miss the opportunity, Martinez searched for any possible way to get there despite his limited means.

At one point, a friend offered him a ride, but they were flagged down by authorities for not wearing a helmet.

With no other option, Martinez continued the rest of the journey on foot, walking slowly until he reached the distribution site.

With only P100 left in his wallet, he said the rice meant more than just sustenance.

“Dako kaayo ni’g tabang,” he said, adding that the assistance would help him get through the coming days.

He broke into tears as he expressed gratitude, saying the 10 kilos of rice would go a long way for him.

Other drivers echoed the same sentiment, pointing to shrinking earnings amid high fuel costs.

Edelberto Pakang, 39, who has been driving for nine years, said his daily income has significantly dropped due to rising expenses.

“Nag-abang man ko sa unit maong akong limpyo ana mga P250–400 nalang jud,” he said, referring to how boundary and fuel costs consume his earnings.

Ramil Miñoza, who has been driving for 12 years along the Tabunok–IT Park route, said fuel prices have forced drivers to reduce trips.

“Dako kaayo’g krudo. Maygani natagaan mi’g bugas, dako kaayo ni’g tabang namo. Bahalag gamay mo byahe nalang jud kay lain man sad kaayo mao ra man ang trabaho,” he said.

The rice distribution is part of efforts to cushion the impact of rising inflation, particularly in the transport sector.

Elizar Sabinay, Executive Assistant assigned to the Provincial Planning and Development Office, said Central Visayas recorded the highest inflation rate in March 2026, with transportation costs as a major contributor.

He added that transport workers, including drivers, conductors, and operators, are among the most affected sectors.

Sabinay said the province opted to provide rice instead of direct cash aid to help reduce daily expenses.

“Financial support ang national program… so how can we support them? Through this rice program, at least ma-minusan ilang expense sa pagpalit og rice,” he said.

He noted that the program will not be a one-time effort, with weekly distributions planned to cover more beneficiaries.

Governor Pamela Baricuatro said the current distribution is only an initial rollout, with more assistance expected from the national government.

“Naa pay maabot, ‘Bigay Bigas para sa Masa’ from Malacañang. So this is just an initial, sa province lang ni karon,” she said.

She assured that the province has enough rice supply to sustain the program.

“We are in control of the current crisis… naa tay bugas, naa tay supply of rice,” the governor added.

The distribution primarily targets PUJ drivers residing in Cebu province, even if they operate within Cebu City.

Beneficiaries must be listed under the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) or endorsed by operators.

Initial data show that around 4,300 drivers from the LTFRB list are included in the first batch, with more expected from operators’ submissions.

Sabinay said the province is also sourcing rice from local farmers, including the Lamac Multipurpose Cooperative, while augmenting supply from other areas such as Camboon and Negros.

The program is funded through local government resources, with an initial allocation of around P250 million for the rice subsidy.

An additional P360 million has also been downloaded from the national government to support rice assistance for various affected sectors.

While the program extends beyond transport workers to include farmers and fisherfolk, officials said PUJ drivers are being prioritized for now.

Distribution will continue at the Capitol, with schedules also being arranged for areas outside Metro Cebu to ease travel costs for beneficiaries.  — Sandara Laurente, CTU-Tuburan Interns/ IHM CEBU NEWS