Bacolod releases fuel aid to tricycle drivers

By Glazyl M. Jopson

BACOLOD CITY — The city government will begin releasing PHP 5,000 in fuel subsidy to 9,617 tricycle drivers on Wednesday, April 8.

Mayor Greg Gasataya announced the payout during Tuesday’s media briefing at the Bacolod City Government Center with Department of Social Services and Development head Richelle Verdeprado-Mangga.

The list of beneficiaries has been posted on the official Facebook pages of Gasataya, the Bacolod City Communications Office, and Serbisyo Patrol.

“We hope that this assistance will somehow help our tricycle drivers,” Gasataya said.

Four venues have been designated for the distribution: the Bacolod City College Activity Center in Barangay Taculing, the Bacolod City National High School Arts Center, SM City Bacolod, and Ayala Malls Capitol Central.

Mangga reminded beneficiaries to bring their driver’s license and a photocopy for documentation and validation during the payout.

The three-day distribution of the fuel assistance will run until April 10.

A help desk has also been set up at the Bacolod City Government Center to address inquiries.

Gasataya said the city has mobilized the necessary manpower and resources to ensure the smooth implementation of the program.

He also said other public transport workers would be prioritized for similar government assistance.

Meanwhile, the city government, through the Public Employment Service Office, has started distributing rice subsidies to more than 2,100 traditional and modernized jeepney drivers in Bacolod.

Validation is also ongoing for the upcoming release of fuel subsidies from the national government, which will be facilitated by the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board.