The Valenzuela City government on Wednesday, Oct. 5, began distributing one-time fuel subsidy vouchers to officers and members of the Tricycle Operators and Drivers Associations (TODAs) in the city.
Valenzuela City Mayor Weslie “Wes” Gatchalian led the first distribution held at the Valenzuela City People’s Park Ampitheater where around 1,368 vouchers with P500 fuel subsidy were given to the beneficiaries.
The city government said the assistance is under City Ordinance No. 1053, Series of 2022 signed by the mayor on Sept. 27. It extends financial support to more than 7,000 tricycle-for-hire with existing franchise in the city.
It aims to help the drivers and operators cope with fuel price increases in the country.
It added that the program is part of Gatchalian’s agenda in his first 100 days as the new city mayor.
“Isa kayo sa dahilan kaya bumalik muli ang sigla ng ating ekonomiya. May pandemiya man o wala, kayo po ay mga bayaning maituturing (You are one of the reasons why the vibrancy of our economy has returned. With or without pandemic, you are considered heroes),” Gatchalian said in a Facebook post.
Gatchalian also led the oath-taking of the new TODA federation officers during the event.
Present at the event were Vice Mayor Lorie Natividad Borja, District 1 Rep. Rexlon “Rex” Gatchalian, Public Order and Safety Office head Jay Valenzuela, and members of the City Council.
The city government said the distribution was also held at the tricycle terminals or covered courts in the city on Thursday, Oct. 6, and will continue on Friday, Oct. 7.