A total of 13,026 tricycle drivers in Bacolod City have received P5,000 each in fuel assistance from the National Government, as fuel prices continue to rise. The distribution was carried out by the City Government of Bacolod in coordination with the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD)-Negros Island Region, with payouts scheduled from April 8 to 25.
From April 8 to 10, 9,617 drivers received the assistance. An additional 3,409 drivers were accommodated during the payout on April 24 and 25, following a review of appeals from those initially excluded. Richelle Verdeprado-Mangga, head of the Department of Social Services and Development (DSSD), stated that the second round was conducted under the directive of Mayor Greg Gasataya.
All drivers who formally appealed and submitted documents were included. Verdeprado-Mangga noted that the DSSD endorsed these applications to the DSWD, which validated the documents before submitting them to the National Government for funding. Mayor Gasataya expressed gratitude to the National Government and assured that other public transport sectors would be prioritized next. He emphasized that the city has prepared the necessary manpower and support for the program's proper implementation.
The National Government launched this initiative to support transport workers whose incomes have been severely affected by rising fuel costs.
