18K jeepney drivers in Parañaque to receive P5K fuel subsidy
Mayor Edwin Olivarez oversees the distribution of fuel subsidies to tricycle drivers. (Photo from Paranaque PIO)
The city government of Parañaque announced that around 15,000 to 18,000 jeepney drivers will be included in the second phase of the P5,000 fuel subsidy distribution, amid rising fuel prices linked to the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.
Parañaque City Mayor Edwin Olivarez made the announcement during the kickoff of the subsidy distribution for more than 7,000 tricycle drivers on Tuesday, March 17, held at the Palanyag Gym and Don Bosco Gym.
Olivarez assured that the assistance will be distributed equitably among beneficiaries. The subsidy will be released in batches until Friday, March 20.
He also urged members of the Tricycle Operators and Drivers Association (TODA) who were not included in the initial list from the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) to coordinate with their respective TODA presidents or register under the Parañaque HELP Card system, which streamlines access to city services and aid.
The mayor added that the city government is also studying the possibility of additional rounds of assistance, depending on available funds, as he continues to visit payout centers to ensure an orderly and efficient distribution process.
“Pag-aaralan po ng ating pamahalaan kung baka may second round pa ito at may third round pa. Ia-update po namin kayo tungkol diyan” (The government will look into the possibility of a second round or even a third round. We'll update you about it),” Olivarez said.
The DSWD had earlier recorded that 25 TODAs are set to benefit from the program. The fuel subsidy is expected to help drivers cope with rising fuel costs, which have significantly reduced their already thin earnings.