ILOILO City – More than 1,200 tricycle drivers and operators in Iloilo City have begun receiving fuel subsidy coupons from the city government, as authorities accelerate assistance to cushion the impact of rising fuel prices on the transport sector.
A total of 1,239 beneficiaries have so far been covered, with 161 drivers from City Proper receiving their coupons on Thursday morning following the initial rollout on March 25.
Distribution is set to continue within the day in Mandurriao, where 479 additional tricycle drivers and operators are expected to receive assistance.
Mayor Raisa Treñas said the continuing release of fuel subsidy coupons is part of the city’s direct response to mounting fuel costs affecting public transport operations.
“Padayon kita nga naga-release sang fuel subsidy coupons agud mabuligan ang aton transport sector sa nagasaka nga presyo sang gatong,” Treñas said.
She added that further financial relief is on the way, with additional assistance from the national government already in the pipeline.
“May palaabuton pa gid kita nga P5,000 nga subsidy para sa transport sector gikan sa national government, nga ipaagi sang DSWD (Department of Social Welfare and Development) sa aton LGU (local government unit),” she said.
Treñas said the city government is coordinating closely with national agencies to ensure smooth processing of requirements for beneficiaries.
“Magabulig ang Iloilo City Government sa pag-facilitate sang ila mga requirements para mapasa sa DSWD. May inisyal naman kita nga koordinasyon sa ila,” Treñas added.
The subsidy program forms part of Iloilo City’s broader measures to mitigate the effects of volatile global fuel prices, which continue to drive up transport costs and daily commuting expenses.
Meanwhile, the national government on March 24 began the nationwide rollout of a P10,000 fuel subsidy for bus operators, with President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. leading the initial distribution at the Parañaque Integrated Terminal Exchange (PITX) in a bid to ease rising operating costs and prevent fare hikes.
The Department of Transportation (DOTr) said the first batch of beneficiaries included 27 bus companies operating a total of 1,096 units, each entitled to receive P10,000 in fuel assistance under the program.
Although the ceremonial launch was held in Metro Manila, Malacañang emphasized that the subsidy will be implemented across the country to support transport operators grappling with volatile global oil prices.
“Para sa mga bus operator, nandito po kami para tiyakin na ‘yong aming ginagawa na fuel subsidy ay maayos kasi mag-start tayo today pero hindi lamang dito sa Metro Manila but all over the country ito,” Marcos said.
Authorities are rolling out multiple disbursement channels to speed up the release of funds, with the President highlighting digital payment systems as the primary mode for efficiency and convenience.
“We can do it via digital payment, GCash, you can go to the ATM, may mga card naman na hawak ‘yong mga driver natin at lahat ng operator na-issue-han ng card, pwedeng gamitin ‘yon,” the President said.
At the same time, Marcos acknowledged that some beneficiaries may still prefer traditional methods, assuring that alternative options remain available.
“Meron pa ring iilan na talaga namang ayaw nilang gawing digital kaya pwede ring mag-issue ng tseke at kung talagang kailangan, kahit cash pwede pa rin,” he said.
Transport officials described the subsidy as a temporary relief measure aimed at cushioning the impact of rising fuel costs on operators while helping prevent fare increases that could burden commuters./PN
