DAVAO CITY (MindaNews / 24 March) – Tricycle drivers along Matina Crossing are grappling with reduced daily earnings as rising fuel prices drive up operating costs, forcing some to skip meals. Teodoro Urdaneta, 70, brings home as little as ₱65 to ₱70 a day after paying for fuel and tricycle rental. A driver for 30 years, Urdaneta used to earn P300 daily before the February 28 conflict in the Middle East triggered a global oil crisis. These days, he skips meals or settles for bread to save money. Urdaneta’s wife earns ₱300 per laundry load, and their household struggles to make ends meet. Many drivers in Matina Crossing face similar challenges. Jojo Tagoc, president of the Matina Tricycle Operators and Drivers Association (MATRIODA), noted that rent-paying drivers are hardest hit. Junjun Orpina, a driver with two children, saw his daily earnings drop from P700 to P200, while his fuel expenses doubled. Drivers hope for government assistance amid rising fuel costs. On March 24, the Tricycle Alliance of Davao City proposed increasing the minimum fare from ₱10 to ₱20 to offset expenses. However, some drivers fear higher fares may reduce passenger numbers. The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) has included tricycle drivers in its fuel subsidy program, with distributions underway in Northern Mindanao. Authorities in the Davao region are coordinating to implement cash relief assistance for affected drivers. (Melody Tagnipis and Rovic Lloyd Buot / DOrSU Interns)
