TACLOBAN CITY — Tricycle drivers in Calbayog City will benefit from a city-funded fuel subsidy program as local officials move to cushion the impact of rising fuel prices while maintaining stable fares for commuters.
Mayor Raymund “Monmon” Uy formalized the program’s rollout following a meeting with representatives of Petron on March 17, after the Local Price Coordinating Council endorsed the company as the official fuel supplier due to its competitive pricing.
Under the scheme, partner fuel stations in Tinambacan, Cagsalaosao, Capoocan, Obrero, and Carayman will supply fuel to members of Tricycle Operators and Drivers Associations (TODA).
Mayor Uy said drivers will continue to pay a fixed rate of P58.00 per liter—based on pre-crisis prices—while the city government will shoulder the additional cost caused by recent fuel price hikes linked to tensions in the Middle East.
The city government clarified that the subsidy does not cover public utility vehicles regulated by the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board, such as jeepneys and buses, which follow national fare policies.
Beneficiaries include TODA groups operating in Ipao, Gadgaran, Trinidad (Sabang), Oquendo, Tarabucan, Pilar, Tinambacan, and Sta. Margarita. Daily fuel allocations per tricycle will range from five to 12 liters, depending on assigned routes.
Mayor Uy emphasized that only registered TODA members are eligible for the subsidy, excluding colorum or unregistered operators.
Prior to the program’s implementation, the city government reaffirmed its no-fare-hike policy during a meeting with TODA officials on March 16, aiming to ease the burden on commuters despite increasing fuel costs.
(ROEL T. AMAZONA)
