Bulacan rolls out rice relief for struggling jeepney sector
MALOLOS CITY—More than 1,400 members of the Bulacan Federation of Jeepney Operators and Drivers Association (BFJODA) received rice subsidies on Friday, April 24, as the provincial government rolled out relief for the transport sector reeling from soaring fuel costs.
Bulacan Gov. Daniel R. Fernando and Vice Gov. Alex Castro personally hand rice subsidies to jeepney drivers and operators, who welcomed the aid with smiles. (Photo by Freddie Velez)
Gov. Daniel R. Fernando and Vice Gov. Alex Castro personally led the distribution at the Calumpit Sports Complex and in several barangays in Malolos City. They handed over rice packs to jeepney drivers and operators from different cooperatives and associations.
Among the beneficiaries were 552 members of the Meycauayan‑Malolos‑Calumpit Boundary Transport Cooperative, San Fernando‑Diamond Robinsons Calumpit, and Diamond Bayan Malolos‑San Fernando groups.
In Barangay Canalate, Malolos, 320 members of the Malolos‑Paombong‑Hagonoy JODA, Transport Service Cooperative (TSC) BROOMPHAJODA, and TSC Hagonoy‑Crossing Malolos also received rice aid.
Meanwhile, 136 members of the Malolos‑Bulakan JODA and 400 members of the Malolos‑Karatig Transport Cooperative (MKTC) were given rice subsidies in Barangay Sto. Rosario, Malolos.
Fernando said the assistance was meant to ease the burden on the transport sector, which has been hit hard by rising fuel prices.
“We want to give a little help, especially to drivers who continue to serve commuters despite the high cost of petroleum products that greatly affect their daily income,” he stressed.