Fuel subsidy for tricycle drivers in Calbayog launched
TACLOBAN CITY – The Calbayog City government in Samar province has launched a localized fuel subsidy program to shield tricycle drivers and commuters from rising pump prices triggered by the ongoing Middle East crisis, officials announced Wednesday.
Following a meeting with Petron representatives on March 17, Mayor Raymund Uy formalized a partnership naming the company as the official supplier. The Local Price Coordinating Council recommended Petron due to its competitive pricing within the city.
Under the subsidy scheme, registered members of Tricycle Operators and Drivers Association will pay a fixed rate of P58 per liter, the price level seen before the current oil crisis. The city government will shoulder the balance.
"This program ensures our drivers can keep earning without passing the burden to the riding public," Uy said in a social media post Wednesday.
To maintain this balance, the city reaffirmed a strict no fare hike policy during a March 16 meeting with TODA leaders.
Partner gasoline stations are located in Tinambacan, Cagsalaosao, Capoocan, Obrero, and Carayman. The allocation depends on the route, but daily fuel limits range from five liters to 12 liters per unit.
The subsidy does not apply to unregistered operators or PUVs regulated by the LTFRB, such as jeepneys and buses.
Uy emphasized that the localized intervention is designed specifically for the tricycle sector to stabilize local transport costs amid volatile global markets. (PNA)