Rising fuel prices have reduced the daily income of tricycle drivers sharply in Mangaldan, Pangasinan, forcing many to rely on government cash aid to support their families.

Edmundo de Guzman, a tricycle driver, said his earnings have dropped to about P300 a day since fuel prices increased. He said this is not enough for daily needs, including food and maintenance medicine for hypertension.

He welcomed the P5,000 cash relief from the national government.

“Malaki na rin na tulong ito para sa amin,” De Guzman said.

In Mangaldan, 1,396 tricycle drivers received cash assistance, representing about 83 percent of the town’s total drivers.

Local records show there are more than 1,700 tricycle drivers in the municipality, but some were not included due to delayed registration.

“Bagamat may mga hindi nakakuha, nagsabi naman ang DSWD na may 2nd tranche makakatanggap ‘yung mga hindi nabigyan ngayon,” Gerry Ydia, chief of the Mangaldan Public Order and Safety Office, said.

Across Region 1, thousands of tricycle drivers also received cash assistance as distribution continued in several towns.

The Department of Social Welfare and Development said all qualified drivers will eventually receive support.

“Makikita natin significantly nag-decrease ang kanilang kita dahil hindi sila makapamasada. Pangalawa, marami na ring hindi pumapasok physically kasi nagkaroon ng revised na work schedule, dahil dito mas maliit na ang naiuuwi nila,” Marie Angela Gopalan, DSWD Region 1 director, said.

The cash aid program aims to support transport workers hit hardest by rising fuel costs linked to global oil price pressures.