PHP 155.3 million fuel subsidy reaches 31,068 tricycle drivers

By Glazyl M. Jopson

BACOLOD CITY — The Department of Social Welfare and Development-Negros Island Region has distributed PHP 155.340 million worth of fuel subsidies to 31,068 beneficiaries across the region during a three-day payout from April 8 to 10.

The figure represents 89.88 percent of the total target of 34,977 tricycle drivers in the cities of Negros Occidental, including Bacolod City, and Negros Oriental.

The DSWD-NIR vowed to continue its efforts to ensure that government support reaches the most vulnerable sectors, helping improve their daily living conditions and promote inclusive development.

The city government here encouraged those who were not included in the payout to appeal for their inclusion to avail of the assistance from the national government.

Appeals were accepted through the city’s help desk for tricycle drivers until 7 p.m. last Friday.

Meanwhile, Mayor Greg Gasataya announced that the city has also distributed 1,336 sacks of five-kilo rice to drivers of transportation network vehicle services on Sunday during the orientation and verification of documents for the processing of their government assistance at the Bacolod City Government Center.

The assistance from the national government aims to provide relief to the transport sector amid a series of fuel price hikes tied to tensions in the Middle East.

In a separate development, a couple extended free fuel to motorists here on Saturday night as a way of helping the transport sector amid the global oil crisis.

Sanny and Shiela Bico initially intended to provide free fuel to 30 motorists, but more than 500 motorcycle and tricycle drivers availed of a full tank at a gasoline station.

The couple, in an interview, said they have been doing the initiative as a way of expressing gratitude for the blessings they received from their successful business ventures.