Iloilo City to roll out fuel subsidy
ILOILO CITY—The Iloilo City government is set to launch a fuel subsidy program for transport workers to help cushion the impact of rising petroleum prices driven by ongoing tensions in the Middle East.
Mayor Raisa Treñas announced the initiative on Thursday , saying the city has allocated P3 million for the program, which will initially benefit around 1,700 to 2,000 drivers operating in the city.
“We initiated this program because we see the significant impact of the Middle East conflict on our transport sector,” Treñas said in a statement.
She added: “From drivers, operators, and cooperatives down to ordinary commuters, the effects of petroleum price hikes will surely be felt. While this is not a sure fix, we will do what we can by extending subsidies.”
Under the program’s guidelines, drivers and operators of public utility vehicles (PUVs) such as jeepneys and modern jeepneys will receive fuel subsidy coupons worth P1,500 per month, which will be distributed through their respective transport cooperatives.
The city government is also considering expanding the subsidy to tricycle and taxi drivers operating within Iloilo City. Tricycle drivers with valid franchises may receive a monthly subsidy ranging from P500 to P1,500, subject to program guidelines.
Eligibility
To qualify for the subsidy, applicants must meet several requirements. The PUV must be actively operating on an Iloilo City route, and the driver or operator must be a bona fide resident of the city.
Drivers must have a valid driver’s license, while operators must present a valid Certificate of Public Convenience or franchise. The vehicle must also be included in the validated master list of the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board.
The subsidy will be distributed in the form of fuel subsidy coupons, with the city’s Atipan Center tasked to coordinate with drivers, operators, and transport cooperatives for distribution and documentation.
According to the mayor, the coupons will remain valid until Dec. 31, 2026, depending on the availability of funds.
City officials said the program aims to provide immediate relief to the transport sector as fuel prices remain volatile.
The city government will continue implementing the subsidy while monitoring global oil market developments and may reassess the program once the national government introduces broader measures to mitigate the effects of rising petroleum prices.
Conservation
In Olongapo City, the local government has ordered the immediate implementation of fuel conservation measures for all government-owned vehicles as global oil prices continue to rise.
Mayor Rolen Paulino Jr. said the directive was issued in response to increasing fuel costs triggered by global market instability and the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, which has begun to affect the city’s operational budget.
“As responsible stewards of public funds, we must adopt practical and disciplined measures to ensure that government resources are used efficiently and sustainably,” Paulino said.
Under the memorandum, government vehicles may be used only for official and essential purposes. Offices are also encouraged to consolidate meetings, field visits, and deliveries, while personnel going to the same destination are advised to share transportation.
The order also requires regular vehicle maintenance to improve fuel efficiency, close monitoring of fuel consumption, and the submission of monthly fuel utilization reports to the General Services Office. Drivers have also been instructed to follow approved routes and avoid unnecessary detours.
City officials said the measures aim to control fuel expenses while ensuring that essential government services continue without disruption. —WITH A REPORT FROM JOANNA ROSE AGLIBOT
