ALOGUINSAN, Cebu — A total of 528 habal-habal drivers from 15 barangays received a much-needed boost on July 3, 2026, as the Cebu Provincial Government distributed cash assistance and rice at the town’s Alodome. The outreach brought direct relief to the community’s essential transport workers.
Fuel and Food Reach 15 Barangays
Each driver received P3,000 in fuel assistance and a 10‑kilogram bag of rice, a combination designed to ease daily operational costs. The aid acknowledged their vital role in connecting remote barangays and keeping the local economy moving. For many, the cash meant the ability to continue earning without worrying about rising fuel prices.
The beneficiaries represented barangays from Angilan to Zaragoza, covering the breadth of the municipality. The distribution was organized to ensure an orderly flow, with drivers arriving throughout the morning. While they waited, a hot meal was served, and copies of the Capitol’s newsletter, Ato Ang Sugbo, kept them informed.
A Collaborative Effort Across Offices
The activity was spearheaded by the Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office, with support from the Provincial Agriculture, Treasurer’s, and Veterinary Offices, as well as the local government of Aloguinsan. The coordinated effort demonstrated how multiple departments can mobilize quickly to deliver assistance where it is needed most.
PSWDO Head Mari Rose Lopez said the provincial government hopes the modest help will ease the drivers’ daily financial burden. She acknowledged that while the amount may not be large, it arrives at a critical time. The collaboration ensured that beneficiaries received not just cash and rice, but also products for their pets and livestock.
Beyond Cash: Pets and Livestock Supported
In addition to the fuel and food aid, the Provincial Veterinary Office distributed products for the drivers’ animals. This extra support recognized that many habal-habal drivers also rely on small-scale farming or animal husbandry to supplement their income. A healthier animal means greater food security and potential additional earnings.
The holistic approach reflects the Capitol’s understanding of rural livelihoods, where a motorcycle is just one part of a family’s economic picture. By addressing both transport and agricultural needs, the distribution provided a more complete safety net. Drivers left with not only cash in their pockets but also supplies for their farms.
Ensuring Fair Selection
Armene Gay Tapangan of the Municipal Social Welfare and Development Office explained that beneficiaries were selected after submitting application forms endorsed by their barangay captains. Applicants also had to present a valid driver’s license and proof of membership in a recognized habal-habal association. The process aimed to ensure that aid reached legitimate drivers.
Tapangan acknowledged the challenge of addressing concerns from residents not included in the list. The municipal government is now exploring ways to assist those who were not part of the provincial program. This commitment ensures that no driver feels left behind.
Mayor and Officials Express Gratitude
Mayor Cesare Ignatius Moreno thanked Governor Pamela Baricuatro for extending assistance to Aloguinsan’s drivers. He assured residents that the municipal government would budget for additional aid to cover those not yet reached. His message was clear: the local government is determined to ensure everyone eventually benefits.
Moreno also encouraged beneficiaries to use the financial assistance wisely, possibly investing in livelihood opportunities such as purchasing livestock. The suggestion pointed toward long-term sustainability rather than short-term consumption. The Capitol’s aid was framed as a stepping stone toward greater economic resilience.
A Promise of Continued Help
The distribution event closed with a sense of community and gratitude. The drivers, who often navigate rough roads and unpredictable weather, felt seen and valued by their local and provincial leaders. As the day ended, the promise of continued support lingered, reinforcing the bond between government and grassroots workers.
