Iloilo City releases fuel subsidy to 3,594 PUV drivers

By Rjay Zuriaga Castor

The Iloilo City government has distributed fuel subsidies to 3,594 drivers and operators of public utility vehicles to cushion the impact of rising fuel prices tied to the Middle East conflict and global supply chain disruptions.

The latest tranche covered 883 taxi drivers, each receiving fuel coupons worth PHP 1,000 under the city’s fuel subsidy program.

“This is part of our assistance to the transport sector amid the abnormal increase in petroleum prices caused by the conflict in the Middle East and other global factors,” Iloilo City Mayor Raisa Treñas-Chu said.

The coupons were distributed Friday, May 8, at the Quintin Salas Gym in Jaro District.

Qualified taxi drivers submitted signed photocopies of their driver’s licenses for verification before receiving the subsidy.

The city government began the first tranche of fuel subsidies in late March, initially prioritizing tricycle drivers.

Records showed 1,718 tricycle drivers from various Tricycle Operators and Drivers Associations, or TODA, received fuel subsidies of PHP 500 each.

In April, 993 modernized bus and traditional jeepney drivers received subsidies of PHP 1,500 each.

The subsidies are released mainly through redeemable fuel vouchers or coupons rather than direct cash assistance.

Beneficiaries receive the vouchers through their transport cooperatives or associations, which coordinate with the city’s Atipan Center for distribution and documentation.

Drivers and operators must appear personally at designated distribution points or gas stations with the required documents, including a driver’s license, a valid ID with specimen signatures, vehicle Official Receipt and Certificate of Registration, and proof of franchise.

The vouchers may be redeemed for petroleum products at assigned gas stations along the beneficiaries’ routes.

Treñas-Chu said the second tranche of fuel subsidies for 1,810 TODA members is expected within the month as additional livelihood support for the transport sector.