Cebu — The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) has taken a significant step toward long-term economic stability for Cebu’s transport sector by awarding a P1.83 million livelihood grant to the Kalunasan Transport Cooperative (KODTRANSCO). Handed over on July 17, 2026, by Labor Secretary Francis “Tol” Tolentino, the assistance is provided under the DOLE Integrated Livelihood Program (DILP). This initiative is designed to move beyond short-term financial aid, instead equipping 54 cooperative members—including drivers, mechanics, and conductors—with the tools and materials necessary to launch a sustainable shared business enterprise.
A Sustainable Model for Economic Resilience
In response to the economic strain caused by rising fuel prices, the DOLE’s intervention focuses on creating a "window of opportunity" through shared business ventures. Rather than providing individual cash handouts, the cooperative will operate a facility offering carwash services, vehicle repair, and auto parts sales, catering to both members and the general public. Secretary Tolentino emphasized that the project is intended to serve as a scalable model for other sectors, including market vendors, demonstrating how organized labor groups can diversify their income streams and build long-term resilience against economic volatility.
Investing in Skilled Workers
The beneficiaries of this grant are highly skilled transport personnel, with many of the drivers holding National Certificate II (NC II) credentials. By leveraging these existing technical skills, the cooperative can effectively manage and operate the repair shop, turning their professional background into a reliable source of supplementary income. The DOLE plans to actively monitor the cooperative’s progress toward the end of the year, ensuring that the business is growing and fulfilling its objective of providing meaningful, long-term financial support to the families of its members.
A Broader Vision for Transport Development
This livelihood grant is part of a wider effort by the national and provincial governments to strengthen Cebu’s transportation ecosystem. Alongside these livelihood initiatives, the province has been advancing other critical programs, such as the “Tabang Pangbyahe” service contracting scheme, which aims to provide reliable public transport while ensuring fair compensation for operators and drivers. By combining targeted livelihood support with modernized public transport policies, the government is working to ensure that workers in the sector are supported on multiple fronts, fostering a more robust and efficient transport landscape across the region.
