TACLOBAN CITY — City government employees here are appealing for the establishment of a free transportation service as fuel prices continue to rise, placing additional financial strain on workers amid increasing living costs.
Eden Benusa Reyes, president of the Government Association of Tacloban Employees (GATE), said the proposal was prompted by concerns over the impact of global developments, including tensions in the Middle East and the United States, which have driven fluctuations in oil prices.
Reyes said fuel costs for gasoline and diesel have started to climb again after a brief rollback, further burdening government workers.
The idea, she said, was conceived due to the expected rise in fuel prices brought about by the global situation, which directly affects employees who rely on daily transportation to and from work.
GATE initially submitted a letter in March to Mayor Alfred Romualdez requesting assistance for employees affected by transportation costs. Last week, the group followed up with another request addressed to the mayor, the Local Finance Committee, the City Administrator’s Office, and the Human Resource Management and Development Office (HRMDO), reiterating their appeal for a free ride program, particularly for employees going home after duty hours.
Reyes said many city hall employees follow staggered work schedules, with some finishing at 5 p.m., others at 6 p.m., and some at 7 p.m., making it difficult to find available transportation, especially for those residing in northern Tacloban and relocation sites.
She explained that this arrangement often leaves employees struggling to secure rides, particularly during peak hours.
The Local Finance Committee has reviewed the proposal but raised concerns on the possible funding source for fuel and operational costs if government vehicles are used.
In response, GATE suggested an alternative through a contract service arrangement with public utility vehicles.
Under the revised proposal, employees would be dropped off at designated points along existing transport routes in both northern and southern parts of the city instead of being transported directly to their homes.
Reyes said offices have already submitted lists of employees who may benefit from the program, including their work schedules and preferred drop-off points.
The HRMDO has acknowledged the request, but implementation still requires the approval of Mayor Romualdez.
(ROCHELLE MORILLA,LNU STUDENT INTERN)
