CITY GOVERNMENT STARTS FUEL SUBSIDY DISTRIBUTION; 1,718 TRICYCLE DRIVERS, OPERATORS IN FIRST BATCH OF BENEFICIARIES

ILOILO CITY — True to its commitment to assist public utility drivers affected by rising fuel prices, the Iloilo City government will begin the distribution of fuel subsidy coupons today, March 25, 2026, with 1,718 tricycle drivers and operators included in the first batch of beneficiaries.

Mayor Raisa Treñas said the initial release of fuel subsidy coupons will cover Tricycle Operators and Drivers Association members from the districts of Arevalo, Molo, Jaro, and La Paz on March 25, followed by City Proper and Mandurriao on March 26.

Treñas said the city government is committed to supporting the drivers for the next three months through the continued release of fuel subsidies to cushion the impact of rising fuel prices and protect their livelihood.

“Tinguhaan naton nga mangin monthly ang subsidy nga iga-release sa transport sector tubtob nga mag-stabilize ang presyo sang petroleum products,” the mayor emphasized.

The city government’s fuel subsidy program is aimed at helping cushion the impact of the continuing increase in petroleum prices due to the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.

Under the program, drivers and operators of tricycles will receive PHP 500 worth of petroleum products per month, while PHP 1,500 for public utility jeepneys will follow.

For this week’s distribution, the city government has allotted two days for fuel loading to ensure an orderly and smooth distribution process.

Fuel loading will be conducted on March 27 for beneficiaries from Arevalo, City Proper, and Jaro, and on March 28 for those from Mandurriao, Molo, La Paz, and Lapuz. The schedule for fuel loading is from 6 a.m. to 3 p.m. on both days.

To claim the subsidy, beneficiaries are required to present their original driver’s license, a photocopy of a valid ID with three specimen signatures, and a photocopy of the updated OR/CR.

For operators with more than one tricycle unit, an authorized representative may claim for each unit, provided an authorization letter is presented. Authorization forms may be secured from the Iloilo City government or prepared in advance by the claimant.

Personnel from the city government will be deployed at designated gasoline stations to assist beneficiaries. Each route has an assigned gas station to make the process more convenient for drivers and operators. The assigned station is indicated on the fuel subsidy coupon, and beneficiaries are advised to follow the scheduled date and designated station for fuel loading.

Drivers may bring extra containers if the PHP 500 worth of fuel exceeds the capacity of the tricycle tank.

For inquiries, beneficiaries may contact the Atipan Center through the following numbers: Globe at 0995-391-3450, Smart at 0947-583-3564, and landline at (033) 337-1890.

After the distribution to TODA members, the city government will proceed with the release of fuel subsidy coupons for public utility jeepney drivers under Batch 1.

ECONOMIC DIALOGUE ON GLOBAL CRISIS IMPACT

As part of efforts to strengthen regional preparedness amid global uncertainties, Mayor Treñas- convened a regional economic dialogue in her capacity as chairperson of the Economic Development Committee of the Regional Development Council VI.

The dialogue gathered committee members, national government agencies, civil society organizations, and representatives from the business sector to discuss emerging global economic challenges and geopolitical developments that may affect local economies in Western Visayas.

Dubbed “Resilient Leadership: Strategy and Strength Amid Global Geopolitical Shifts,” the activity focused on identifying strategic actions to help the region remain resilient and sustain economic growth despite ongoing global tensions.

“Now more than ever, there is a strong need for us to reinforce our cooperation and stand united so that we can confront, and hopefully lessen, the impact of the ongoing global crisis on our local economy and ultimately on the lives of the people of Western Visayas,” Treñas-Chu said.

She added that while the full impact of current geopolitical tensions remains uncertain, early dialogue and collaboration are essential in preparing the region for possible economic disruptions.

“We do not yet know the full extent of how these global tensions will affect our region. But by coming together at this early stage, by openly discussing the challenges before us, and by sharing possible solutions, we gain strength and hope for our people. Through collaboration, we can prepare, we can strategize, and we can respond with resilience. I am encouraged to see that everyone here today is ready to rise to the challenge,” she added. (Press Release)