BACOLOD City — More than 9,000 tricycle drivers in this city are set to receive fuel subsidies as payout officially begins today, April 8, and runs until April 10, in a joint effort by the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) and the city government.
A total of 9,617 qualified beneficiaries will receive cash assistance under the Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situations (AICS) program, which aims to cushion the impact of rising fuel prices on public utility drivers—one of the sectors most affected by increasing operating costs.
The distribution is being carried out by the DSWD–Negros Island Region in close coordination with local authorities.
Beneficiaries will be notified individually of their specific payout schedules and assigned venues to ensure an orderly and efficient process. Officials stressed that drivers must strictly follow their designated dates and locations.
Payout venues have been set at Bacolod City College and Bacolod City National High School, both in Barangay Taculing; SM City Bacolod; and Ayala Malls Capitol Central.
Drivers are required to present a valid driver’s license for verification, along with two photocopies bearing three specimen signatures.
Each beneficiary will receive P5,000 in cash assistance, sourced from a total allocation of about P40 million.
Mayor Greg Gasataya said the city has already commenced preparations for the distribution, reaffirming its commitment to extend financial relief to transport workers.
However, he acknowledged that some applicants were excluded from the final list due to duplication issues.
According to the mayor, certain drivers were flagged after appearing in multiple applications, including submissions in neighboring areas such as Bago City.
To address the concern, the city government is consolidating records of disqualified applicants and preparing an appeal to the DSWD.
Gasataya added that drivers who can be verified by their associations as legitimate public utility operators may still be reconsidered for inclusion in the program.
The fuel subsidy initiative forms part of broader government measures to provide immediate economic relief and sustain the livelihood of transport workers amid continued fuel price volatility.
For inquiries, beneficiaries may email bacolodfuelsubsidy@gmail.com.
The city government will also set up help desks at each venue, as well as at the Bacolod City Government Center, to accommodate concerns and complaints./PN
