Here’s a salute to some of our today’s unsung heroes and lodis

Prices of basic commodities and other products which we frequently purchase, such as grocery items and fuel for our vehicles, has recent been on consecutive hike, leaving us scrimping our hard-earned money and making smart decisions when it comes to spending our money wisely. PUV drivers, car owners, and operators for instance have sought alternatives in order to save on gas money.

There are other noteworthy strategies that work for most drivers —such as having a car insurance and finding a dependable mechanic. Others carefully maintain their vehicles by constantly lubing them with the right engine oils, greases, and coolants as they believe that keeping vehicles in their tip-top shape would mean less expenses and more savings eventually.

#delodi: ‘Lodis’ on the road

Ying Bantug, single and with one son, works as a Sheriff at the Makati Judicial Department. He has been operating his own Transport Network Vehicle Services (TNVS) for two years now. He decided to go into the business to help defray his expenses and give his relatives (who drive his vehicle) extra income. Like any operator, Bantug is disappointed about the successive increase in gas price, especially that he realized that he couldn’t do anything about it. So, he constantly communicates with his driver, advises him to turn off the engine when not in transit, and discusses warning signs about the car and brings it to his personal mechanic to have it regularly maintained.

On the other hand, Andrew Linaban, a 39-year-old taxi driver for one year now, confessed how hard it is to drive a taxi nowadays. “First, there are a lot of taxis around, plus some people prefer the TNVS so I usually queue up in malls rather than drive around looking for passengers, but this takes so much of my time. Second, the rise in fuel prices has affected my earnings because of the worsening traffic situation. Usually, what I make just goes to the boundary I pay my operator, and for the daily gasoline,” Linaban admitted and emphasized that, no matter what, he will still keep going for his family.

Gerry Garingalao, 53, is a taxi operator of the renowned G and C taxi service based in Bacolod City. “I inherited a portion of my father’s taxi fleet 12 years ago and I was equipped in managing our own taxi fleet since I used to be his general manager. I consider this taxi business as a gift from God, and I am very thankful that this business helped me and my family in big ways, and most importantly a lot of people have also been blessed by it as well,” the Electrical Engineer and now full-time taxi operator shared.

As a common carrier operator, Garingalao is faced with daily problems like traffic accidents, passenger complaints, mechanical maintenance of taxi units, and maintaining drivers’ records. And because his taxis use combustion engines—which are dependent on gasoline and diesel fuels—the business was affected by the fuel price increase. “We earn by the daily fixed rental from individual drivers. If prices of fuel go up tremendously, a substantial portion of the drivers’ income will be lost, and as a result, their remittances (rentals) will be affected in a negative way,” he said.

Despite the rise in fuel prices, Garingalao agrees that to avoid vehicle trouble and to save money in the long run, engine maintenance is crucial. “Choosing the best lubricant is key; that is why I am using Caltex Delo for a cleaner engine that will last a long time,” he smiled.

#DeloNoProblemo: The Delo difference

Cost-saving on any vehicle maintenance is a commitment of time to maintain a comprehensive schedule to keep it in peak condition. Changing oil, for instance, should be done once every three months. It also takes time and special considerations to save money on your car maintenance, but it will be more than worth it ultimately as you will benefit by being more knowledgeable about how you can better care for and maintain your vehicle.

#CaltexDelo promotes enhanced protection and performance for diesel engines. It also enlightens that properly lubricating the inside of an engine requires more than just creating a protective film, but high- quality engine oils must also disperse soot and control sludge formation to extend oil drain service intervals and maximize engine life. Delo and its full range of high performance, multigrade, synthetic and mineral diesel engine oils, and lubricants do all that and more. When it comes to SUVs, trucks, buses, and other heavy-duty engines, Delo likewise fosters how owners could maximize engine reliability, potentially improve on fuel economy, and minimize operating cost.

#CaltexPH’s revolutionary ISOSYN technology is why Delo products provide reliable protection to critical engine parts. With its years of formulation expertise and experience, the brand combines premium base oils with high-performance additives to ensure premium engine parts protection that rivals synthetics. This unique combination is what gives all Delo customers their performance advantage.

#TuluyTuloyAngBiyahe

We look at our drivers and operators like Bantug, Linaban, and Garingalao with renewed respect, because they relentlessly continue to bring their passengers to their destinations and keep on doing their share to help commuters despite the countless challenges they meet along the way. To some extent, they have become our on-the-road heroes (Lodi /DeLodi). Through the years, Delo has partnered with them by supporting their engines, and like our real-life ‘lodis’ who deliver care for the nation, Delo assures these drivers that the brand will be in it for the long haul.

To start your “tipid-maintenance” journey, visit and Caltex station and purchase Delo premium oils now.

INQUIRER.net BrandRoom/JC