1,193 Bacolod jeepney drivers receive 5 kilos of rice each
THE city government of Bacolod distributes five kilos of rice to jeepney drivers on Easter Sunday, April 5. (Mayor Greg Gasataya FB)
BACOLOD CITY – This highly-urbanized city distributed five kilos of rice to 1,193 modernized and traditional jeepney drivers on Easter Sunday, April 5, affected by successive fuel price hikes.
The city government deployed pickup trucks to distribute the staple to various Public Utility Jeepney (PUJ) terminals.
The city said that their income has been depleted due to fuel price increases.
"Amid the fuel crisis, may we be more compassionate with each other and extend help whenever we can," Mayor Greg Gasataya aid.
The distribution was led by the Public Employment Service Office (PESO).
Meanwhile, all 61 barangays here were urged to suspend, scale down, or defer their fiestas and instead prioritize essential services due to the oil crisis.
Councilor Caesar Distrito, in a resolution approved by the city council, encouraged barangays to redirect funds for fiestas toward more urgent needs – fuel subsidies for public utility drivers and essential transport workers, financial assistance for indigent families and vulnerable sectors, food support programs, livelihood initiatives, and strengthening of emergency response systems.
Distrito clarified that fiestas are not being canceled. “Barangays are encouraged to hold simpler, low-cost, and community-based celebrations that preserve cultural and spiritual traditions without adding financial strain.”
“Fiesta is not being cancelled, being part of our spiritual and cultural beliefs, but due to the crisis we are facing, we need to scale it down, and channel the saved fiesta celebration budget to social support programs,” Distrito said.
Gasataya advised people of this highly-urbanized city to remain alert for possible aftershocks, following the magnitude-5.1 earthquake that rocked Bogo City, Cebu on Monday afternoon, April 6.
Intensity I was recorded here but Gasataya said Rapid Damage Assessment and Needs Analysis (RDANA) teams are on standby should assessment be necessary.
"We urge everyone to stay calm and follow safety protocols," he added.